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Quinoa, often referred to as a superfood, is an ancient grain that has gained immense popularity in recent years, especially among those looking for healthy meal options. Unlike many grains, quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own. This makes it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans alike.

Healthy Recipe Ideas

Discover the vibrant and nutritious world of quinoa-stuffed bell peppers, a delightful dish perfect for any meal. This recipe combines colorful bell peppers with protein-packed quinoa and flavorful ingredients like black beans, corn, and tomatoes, making it a healthy choice for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, these stuffed peppers offer a wealth of health benefits while satisfying your taste buds. Get ready to impress with a colorful and delicious meal!

Ingredients
  

4 large bell peppers (any color of your choice)

1 cup quinoa, rinsed thoroughly

2 cups vegetable broth (or use water)

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup corn (can be fresh, canned, or frozen)

1 cup diced tomatoes (either canned or fresh)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for added flavor)

1 avocado, diced (for topping)

Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the stuffed peppers.

    Cook the Quinoa: In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the vegetable broth (or water) to a boil. Once boiling, add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pan, and cook for approximately 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. Afterward, fluff the quinoa with a fork and set it aside to cool slightly.

      Prepare the Bell Peppers: While the quinoa is cooking, take the bell peppers and slice the tops off, discarding the stems. Remove the seeds and membranes from inside the peppers. Stand the peppers upright in a baking dish to hold their shape while baking.

        Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Use a sturdy spoon to mix everything together until well combined. If you like, gently fold in the chopped cilantro for an additional burst of flavor.

          Stuff the Peppers: Carefully spoon the quinoa filling into each bell pepper, filling them generously and packing the mixture down slightly for a well-stuffed pepper.

            Bake the Peppers: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help steam the peppers during cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the peppers to become tender yet retain their shape.

              Serve: Once finished baking, remove the dish from the oven and let the peppers cool for a few minutes. Before serving, top each pepper with diced avocado and offer lime wedges on the side for an added zesty kick.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | Serves 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the stuffed peppers warm on a colorful plate, garnished with a sprinkle of additional cilantro or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flair.