Go Back
Jack-o'-Lantern Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Knife

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large orange bell peppers
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Cut the tops off each orange bell pepper and scoop out the seeds and membranes. Use a small knife to carve simple jack-o'-lantern faces on the front of each pepper.
  • Rinse the quinoa under cold water. Place it in a saucepan with the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
  • While the quinoa cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens.
  • Stir the black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes to warm through.
  • Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and add it to the skillet. Mix everything until evenly combined.
  • Stand the carved peppers upright in a baking dish. Spoon the quinoa mixture into each pepper until full. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tops.
  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Carve the pepper faces after removing the tops so the peppers stay sturdy during baking. If you want to prepare ahead, stuff the peppers the day before, cover, and refrigerate, then add the cheese and bake just before serving. Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven without losing much texture.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Saucepan, Skillet, Baking dish, Knife