Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers is a dish where bell peppers are filled with a mixture of cooked quinoa, black beans, and various seasonings. It’s often baked and served as a hearty vegetarian main course or side dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1-1/2 cups water
- 4 large green peppers
- 1 jar (16 ounces) chunky salsa, divided
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
Directions to prepare Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and simmer, covered, until water is absorbed (10-12 minutes).
- Cut tops from peppers and remove seeds. Place peppers in a greased baking dish, cut side down, and microwave on high until crisp-tender (3-4 minutes).
- Turn peppers cut side up. Reserve 1/3 cup salsa and add the remaining salsa to quinoa. Stir in beans, ricotta, and half of the Monterey Jack cheese.
- Spoon the mixture into peppers and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake, uncovered, until the filling is heated through (10-15 minutes). Top with reserved salsa.
Nutritional Facts: A single stuffed pepper contains approximately:
- Calories: 393
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 774mg
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 18g
Health Benefits:
- Quinoa is a superfood rich in fiber and protein, offering a host of benefits such as reducing cholesterol, promoting bowel health, and aiding in weight loss.
- Black Beans are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber. They help in weight management and support metabolic conditions like diabetes and cholesterol.
This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of nutrition. The combination of quinoa and black beans provides a balanced meal, with the added richness of cheese and the zest of salsa bringing flavors that are sure to delight.
Enjoy your healthy and delicious Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers!
I hope you find this article helpful. The stuffed peppers are a great way to enjoy a nutritious meal that’s full of flavor and health benefits. Bon appétit!