Ingredients:
For the Stuffed Bell Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and cooked
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
For the Avocado Crema:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Prepare the Quinoa:
- Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. Cook according to package instructions until fluffy.
2. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Prepare the Bell Peppers:
- Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise, removing seeds and membranes.
- Place the peppers in a baking dish, cut side up.
4. Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients until well combined.
5. Stuff the Peppers:
- Spoon the quinoa mixture into each bell pepper half, pressing down gently.
- Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheese.
6. Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
7. Make the Avocado Crema:
- While the peppers are baking, prepare the avocado crema. In a blender, combine avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
8. Serve:
- Once the stuffed peppers are done, remove them from the oven.
- Drizzle the avocado crema over the peppers and garnish with chopped cilantro.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Fat: 14g
Why You’ll Love It: These Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The quinoa provides a protein-packed base, while the black beans, corn, and tomatoes add a burst of freshness. The melted cheese on top creates a gooey and indulgent finish. Paired with the creamy avocado crema, this dish is not only nutritious but also a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy a wholesome meal that’s as delicious as it is satisfying!
