Looking for a wholesome and flavorful vegetarian dish that will delight your taste buds and nourish your body? Look no further than this delicious recipe for Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers. These colorful and nutritious peppers are filled with a savory mix of quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices, making them a perfect addition to your meatless meal repertoire. Whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these stuffed bell peppers are sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup corn kernels
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend), optional
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. To prepare the bell peppers, cut off the tops and remove the seeds and membranes from the inside. Trim the bottoms slightly, if needed, so that the peppers can stand upright in the baking dish. Set the prepared peppers aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa and bean mixture, packing it down gently and filling the peppers to the top. If desired, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top of each pepper.
5. Arrange the stuffed bell peppers in the prepared baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Once done, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and let the stuffed peppers cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
These Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers are a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients, such as adding diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or spinach to the filling. You can also adjust the seasonings to your liking by incorporating herbs like oregano or adding a dash of hot sauce for some extra heat.
Serve these stuffed bell peppers as a standalone meal or pair them with a side salad or some crusty bread for a more substantial dinner. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated for a quick and satisfying lunch. Whether you’re a full-time vegetarian or simply looking for a tasty meatless option, these Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delightful and nutritious choice that everyone will enjoy.
