Vegetable and Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers

Vegetable and Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delightful and healthy dish, combining colorful bell peppers with a savory filling of quinoa, mixed vegetables, and melted cheese. This vibrant meal is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, making it a satisfying choice for dinner.

Ingredients

• Bell peppers - 2 large (any color)
• Quinoa - 1/2 cup (uncooked)
• Water - 1 cup
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Onion - 1 small, diced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Zucchini - 1 small, diced
• Carrot - 1 small, diced
• Corn - 1/2 cup (frozen or fresh)
• Black beans - 1/2 cup (cooked and drained)
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) - 1/2 cup

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Rinse quinoa under cold water and combine with 1 cup of water in a small pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
3. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the bell peppers by cutting the tops off and removing the seeds and membranes. Place them upright in a baking dish.
4. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add diced zucchini and carrot to the skillet, cooking for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
6. Stir in corn, black beans, cooked quinoa, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese.
8. Stuff each bell pepper generously with the vegetable and cheese mixture, packing it down lightly. Top with the remaining cheese.
9. 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.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 14 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 20 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.15 L

Health Benefits

• High in fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from a variety of vegetables.

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