Stuffed Bell Peppers Quinoa Herbs (Printer-Friendly)

Bell peppers filled with quinoa, herbs, and vegetables baked to tender perfection for a light, flavorful dinner.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 large bell peppers, any color, tops cut off and seeds removed
02 - 1 small zucchini, finely diced
03 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered

→ Grains

06 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
07 - 2 cups vegetable broth

→ Herbs & Seasonings

08 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Dairy (Optional)

15 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, optional

# Method:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the peppers upright.
02 - In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the zucchini and cook 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook 2 more minutes. Remove from heat.
04 - Combine the cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, parsley, basil, mint, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. If using, fold in the feta cheese.
05 - Fill each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture, packing lightly. Place them upright in the baking dish.
06 - Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until peppers are tender and tops are lightly browned.
07 - Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Bright and appetizing: colorful bell peppers filled with flavorful quinoa and fresh herbs.
  • Simple and quick preparation with just 20 minutes active prep time.
  • Comforting yet light and gluten-free, perfect for a healthy vegetarian diet.
  • Versatile, with optional feta cheese adding a creamy, tangy touch.
02 -
  • Use a sharp knife and a steady hand when coring the bell peppers to keep their shape intact.
  • To enhance flavor, toast the quinoa dry in the pan for a few minutes before cooking it in broth.
  • Rest the stuffed peppers before serving to allow flavors to meld and to make handling easier.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to maintain texture and taste.
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