Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

vigilant20's Note:

This is a versatile dish that can be prepared as stuffed peppers, as stated below. I'm the sort that doesn't finish much of the pepper shell, so to make it easier to eat, I like to dice the peppers and prepare this as a casserole.

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 medium red peppers
• 2 medium yellow peppers
• 2 medium orange peppers
• 4 medium carrots, finely chopped
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 tablespoon sunflower seed
• 2 teaspoons parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon marjoram
• 1/8 teaspoon thyme
• 1 dash cayenne pepper
• 1 cup spaghetti sauce (optional)
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, bring the broth, water and bay leaf to a boil. Add quinoa. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Discard bay leaf.
2. Cut peppers in half lengthwise and discard seeds. In a large pot, cook peppers in boiling water. We like them nice and soft, so we did 20 minutes. Try 3-5 minutes if you prefer them crisp-tender. Drain and rinse in cold water.
3. In a large skillet, saute the carrots and onions in oil until tender. Add the quinoa, sunflower kernels and seasoning. Cook until heated through. Spoon mixture into pepper halves. Top with spaghetti sauce and/or Parmesan cheese, if desired. Place in a 15 inch x 10 inch baking pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Cover and bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes.

Reviews

[MyboysMom]

This was really good. I chopped up the bell pepppers and sauteed with the other veggies (instead of stuffing them). I also used pine nuts (and put in more, maybe 2 T) and I used red pepper flakes instead of cayenne. I also added some minced garlic (2 cloves). I added the spaghetti sauce, no cheese. I did have to add some extra water while my quinoa was cooking, just a little over a T. Wonderful, flavorful dish.

[LUv 2 BaKE]

I loved the different ingredients that went into these vegetarian stuffed peppers. To add a little more protein we added a little TVP to the filling. The amount of seasonings was great. I did use a bit more spaghetti sauce and mixed it into the filling rather than just on top. Thanks for posting this recipe!

[Chef #1512888]

This was great! I used purple Quinoa and added mushrooms.