Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa and Vegetables and Cheese and Garlic

These stuffed peppers are vibrant and packed with flavor, featuring a wholesome mix of quinoa, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese. A perfect low-carb dinner option that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

• Red Bell Peppers - 2 large
• Quinoa - 1/2 cup (uncooked)
• Water - 1 cup
• Olive Oil - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Zucchini - 1 small, diced
• Spinach - 1 cup, chopped
• Onion - 1/2 medium, diced
• Cherry Tomatoes - 1/2 cup, halved
• Cheddar Cheese - 1/2 cup, shredded
• Italian Seasoning - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black Pepper - 1/4 teaspoon

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Rinse the quinoa under cold water and combine it with 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
3. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the bell peppers. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outsides with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.
4. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the diced zucchini and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Stir in the chopped spinach, cooked quinoa, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the filling.
8. Stuff each bell pepper generously with the quinoa and vegetable mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
9. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 30 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 30 mg
• Total Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in dietary fiber which aids in digestion.
• High in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, supporting overall health.

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