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These peppers have been a favorite meal in our household for years.
The filling is warm and hearty, and when stuffed into tender bell peppers, the presentation is pretty enough to serve to company– without too much additional effort.
As you may know, quinoa is a gluten-free “pseudograin” that is loaded with all of the essential amino acids the body needs, making it a complete source of protein. Paired with sauteed vegetables, beans, and a rich marinara sauce, it makes for a warm and filling meal during these cold winter months. In case you have allergy concerns, it’s also nut-free and dairy-free!
This recipe is easily adaptable, so feel free to use any seasonable vegetables you have on hand. You can taste and adjust the seasoning as you go, so it’s practically fool-proof!
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Quiona Stuffed Peppers (Vegan)
Serves 4 to 6
Ingredients:
1/2 cup dry quinoa
1 cup water
4 bell peppers, sliced in half lengthwise, seeds and white pith removed
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup chopped mushrooms (about 4 ounces)
1 zucchini, chopped
1 (15-ounce) can white cannellini beans (about 1 1/2 cups cooked beans)
1 cup marinara sauce, plus more for serving
Sea salt and black pepper
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350F. Combine the quinoa and water in a small saucepan and bring the water to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat, cooking until the quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Place the bell peppers cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake them for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
In the meantime, melt the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat and saute the onion until it starts to become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic, mushrooms and zucchini, and saute until all of the vegetables are tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Add in the cooked quinoa, beans, and marinara sauce, and stir well to combine and adjust the seasoning to taste. Arrange the cooked bell peppers cut-side-up and spoon the filling into each pepper. It should generously fill 4 bell peppers. Spoon additional marinara sauce over each pepper to help prevent them from drying out, then bake for 30 minutes at 350F, until the peppers are very tender. Serve warm, with additional marinara sauce, if you like.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dry quinoa
- 1 cup water
- 4 bell peppers , sliced in half lengthwise, seeds and white pith removed
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 small onion , chopped
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms (about 4 ounces)
- 1 zucchini , chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can white cannellini beans (about 1 1/2 cups cooked beans)
- 1 cup marinara sauce , plus more for serving
- Sea salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Combine the quinoa and water in a small saucepan and bring the water to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat, cooking until the quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Place the bell peppers cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake them for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- In the meantime, melt the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat and saute the onion until it starts to become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic, mushrooms and zucchini, and saute until all of the vegetables are tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add in the cooked quiona, beans, and marinara sauce, and stir well to combine and adjust the seasoning to taste. Arrange the cooked bell peppers cut-side-up and spoon the filling into each pepper. It should generously fill 4 bell peppers. Spoon additional marinara sauce over each pepper to help prevent them from drying out, then bake for 30 minutes at 350, until the peppers are very tender. Serve warm, with additional marinara sauce, if you like.
Nutrition
Per Serving: Calories: 199, Fat: 5g, Carbohydrates: 32g, Fiber: 7g, Protein: 7g
Notes:
- This filling can easily be enjoyed on its own, without stuffing the peppers. Or, you can fill your favorite winter squash or zucchini, too!
- To keep this recipe sugar-free, make sure you use a marinara sauce that is free of added sugar. (Amy’s Organic Pasta Sauce is sugar-free.)
Enjoy!
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Reader Feedback: What’s your favorite dish to make when company comes over?
I made this for dinner tonight and it was a huge hit!! I will definitely make again, thanks so much for the recipe 🙂
I hope to try this soon but without the beans. I think my little girl and I will love this =)
I made these today, using eggplant instead of mushrooms, adding kale and dried herbs. So delicious!!! Thank you!
These were super easy and delicious! I substituted the quinoa for farro and added some italian seasoning to the mixture, which was great on its on!
I also cheated and melted some chedder and mozerella on the peppers.
These were so easy, quick and delicious! I used green, yellow and red peppers – the yellows ones outshone the others with their natural sweetness. Will be sure to make these again. Thanks for the great recipe!
These are just great! I’ve fixed them twice and everyone just loved them.
Thank you for this great variation on stuffed peppers! I made these last night and they looked beautiful and I’m very impressed with the myriad of flavors and texture.
I followed the recipe, only adding a hint of cinnamon and ground ginger to the saute. No trouble with them drying out at all and the mixture itself could be its own dish in any number of settings. I’ll make your coconut ice cream next and can’t wait — thank you for sharing!
I have made these in the past with rice and ground turkey and also with quinoa instead of the rice. Always a great meal. My two youngest sons don’t like peppers so I usually serve them just the stuffing. They always ask for seconds! I will try adding the extra veggies and beans next time (instead of the ground turkey) because that will really add some extra flavour. Thanks for the new ideas.
Just made this for dinner tonight and my husband and I ate the all thing!!the all 4-6 servings! Next time will do the dish without even the bell pepper. Delicious!
Just wondering what your thoughts are about nightshades. I love them, but are there circumstances when one should take them out of their diet?