Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
I just got a deal on some red peppers! Organic for under $1 each. While I like to “eat local” if I can, I sure won’t pass up an opportunity like this. Time for Quinoa Stuffed Peppers!
Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
I used to make meat filled peppers until a lucky “accident”. One day while making my usual recipe, I had some prepared quinoa left over from another meal. I love clearing out my refrigerator, so I swapped out my usual rice for quinoa. As I mixed the ingredients– before adding the meat–I started nibbling. Hmmm, did I even need the meat?
And ever since, my (Quinoa) Stuffed Peppers have been meatless.
Filling for Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Quinoa is a trendy food that isn’t new at all—it’s been around for over 3000 years. Although it can be used similarly to rice, it isn’t a grain, it is actually a seed! According to Wikipedia, quinoa is a good gluten-free source of dietary fiber, phosphorous, magnesium and iron, and contains some calcium. One of its most interesting traits is the fact that it is actually a complete protein.
Making Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Now one of the challenges in vegetarian cooking can be getting enough protein because most grains and vegetables do not contain the full complement of amino acids needed to make a complete protein. That is why you see beans served with rice, or peanut butter with bread. Quinoa is a delightful exception to this!
Quinoa Stuffed Peppers Closeup
Even though completing the protein wasn’t an issue, I decided to add some pine nuts as a flavor boost–feel free to omit or substitute a less expensive nut if you are watching your budget.
Quinoa Stuffed Peppers Served
The first time I made Quinoa Stuffed Peppers, it was on a hot summer day. I put a roaster out on the patio to cook them and the kids looked at me like I was crazy. In the end, however, everyone came around, and the dish scored four thumbs up!
- • 1 cup quinoa
- • 1 1/2 cup water
- • 1 Tablespoon oil
- • 1 medium onion, chopped
- • 2 garlic cloves, chopped coarsely
- • 1/4 cup chopped celery (you can include leaves)
- • 2 Tablespoons dried dill
- • ¼ cup chopped parsley
- • 1/4 cup pine nuts
- • 1 teaspoon salt
- • 1 jar tomato paste
- • 4 large peppers (or 5-6 smaller peppers), stem and cores removed
- • Pasta sauce, for serving (I buy a 24 oz jar but usually have leftovers)
- Place the quinoa and water in a large saucepan, bring to a boil and cook until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender (or cook according to your package directions).
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and celery until onions are translucent.
- Combine onion & celery mixture, cooked quinoa, chopped garlic, herbs and tomato paste. Stuff peppers and place in baking dish.
- Cover and bake until peppers are tender and filling is heated through, about 45-60 minutes. Warm the pasta sauce for topping the peppers and serve on the side.
- If you want to add meat, reduce the amount of quinoa, and substitute some browned and drained ground meat (of your choice).
Can you please explain what you mean by “Large jar of Pasta sauce”, and what one is supposed to do with it? Your instructions didn’t cover this.
Hi Lily–good catch. I serve the pasta sauce on the side and let people top their own peppers with whatever amount they want. I think the one I buy comes in a 24 oz jar, but I always have leftovers. I have updated the instructions to reflect this. Thanks for writing.
These quinoa stuffed peppers look amazing! This would be such a nice lunch idea!
Thanks Agness!
I have never made stuffed peppers but I have been dying to make them for so long! This looks amazing
It’s about time Cathleen! I wish I could send you some of my extra peppers 😉
Been a long time since I made stuffed peppers! Your quinoa filling looks delicious!
I think it can be a dish that’s easy to forget about–I usually think of peppers as an add-in. Unless I have a lot of peppers!
Your quinoa stuffed red peppers look awesome Inger…lots of great ingredients and colors…I love it!
I hope you are enjoying your week 🙂
Eat a rainbow, right!!
I haven’t made stuffed peppers in a while. Thanks for sharing your recipe with the quinoa stuffing…they look good.
Thanks Karen!
peppers are perfect for stuffing, and your filling sounds great! this is a magnificent meal.
I can’t believe how available peppers have been this winter. I am sooo loving that!
Hi Inger, these peppers look delcious, love how you stuffed them. Your kitchen must of smelled heavenly.
The smell really is a great fringe benefit of home cooking, isn’t it!
This sounds incredible m Inger – we started eating quinoa 15 years ago when it was hard to find. Now it is readily available and that is a great thing!
A quinoa pioneer! Why doesn’t that surprise me David!
What a delicious variation on stuffed peppers! I wouldn’t miss the meat either.
Thanks Beth.