Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Bell Pepper Stuffed with Quinoa and Vegetables


 
 

I was recently introduced to Quinoa thanks to a lovely friend who acquainted me with its nutritional benefits. Naturally, I did my research. Contrary to popular belief Quinoa is not really a grain but a seed. Technically, called a pseudocereal, Quinoa is a fantastic thing to have in your kitchen shelf. It is incredibly nutritious, a rich source of complete protein. Additionally it is also a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus, magnesium and iron as well as calcium. And if that’s not enough, it passes my “ooh so tasty” test with flying colours! Phew, that’s a lot of motivation to replace your rice and couscous with quinoa! A must have for vegetarians or the gluten intolerant.

I have selected to post this one as the first quinoa recipe (looks complicated, but it really isn’t) since it is so simple, nourishing and is a complete meal in itself. Don’t we love one meal dishes! I do, I do!!!
 

Ingredients

               1 tablespoon olive oil and some to spray the baking dish

               1 red onion, chopped

               1/2 cup sliced mushrooms

               1 cup finely chopped carrots

               1 cup finely chopped Zucchini

               4 bell peppers, 1 cored, seeded and cut into halves

               1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and cooked according to package directions

               1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

               1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (tabasco)

               1/2 cup od raisins

               Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1.    Preheat oven to 200°C. Grease a baking dish with oil then set aside.

2.    Heat oil in a large pan and add onion and cook until transparent.

3.    Add mushrooms and cook until softened. Add carrots and zucchini and cook for 4 – 5 minutes.

4.    Add the cooked quinoa and toss in the rest of the ingredients. Remove from heat.

5.    Stuff quinoa mixture evenly among the bell peppers, gently packing it down. Place on the baking dish and spray olive oil on the peppers

 

6.    Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes

Voila, your meal is ready! Serve with Salad.


 




 
Note: The quinoa in this dish can be replaced by couscous too.
Serves 4

Effort Level – Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy

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