1 Portion Stuffed Peppers With Herbed Quinoa has 246 calories. If you're looking for a healthy and satisfying meal, stuffed peppers with herbed quinoa is a great option. The combination of protein-packed quinoa, flavorful spices, and fresh vegetables makes for a delicious and nutritious meal that will leave you feeling satisfied.
This dish is high in protein, fiber, and other important nutrients that are essential for a healthy and balanced diet. Plus, it's easy to make and can be customized to your liking with different spice blends, vegetables, and protein sources. Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, or just looking for a healthy meal option, stuffed peppers with herbed quinoa is a great choice.
In this article, we'll explore how to make stuffed peppers with herbed quinoa, ingredient lists, nutrition facts, variations on the recipe, and more.
How to Make Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Quinoa
To make stuffed peppers with herbed quinoa, first preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Then, cut the tops off of four bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes from the inside. Next, cook 1 cup of quinoa according to the package instructions and mix in a variety of herbs such as parsley, basil, and oregano. In a separate pan, sauté diced onions and garlic until they become translucent. Add in diced tomatoes, black beans, and cooked quinoa to the pan and sauté for a few more minutes. Finally, stuff the quinoa mixture into the bell peppers and place them in a baking dish. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot.
Ingredient List for Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Quinoa
To make stuffed peppers with herbed quinoa, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 Bell Peppers
- 1 cup Quinoa
- 1 Onion (diced)
- 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes
- 1 can Black Beans
- Assorted Herbs (Parsley, Basil, Oregano)
- Salt and Pepper
These ingredients can be easily customized based on your preferences or dietary restrictions.
Adding the Right Amount of Spice to Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Quinoa
The spiciness of your stuffed peppers with herbed quinoa can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce or omit the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper called for in the recipe. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of these spices or add in additional spices such as paprika or red pepper flakes. It's always a good idea to start with less spice and gradually add more as needed. Keep in mind that spicy foods can help boost your metabolism and aid in digestion, so don't be afraid to add a bit of heat to your dish!
Nutrition Facts for Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Quinoa per Serving
Here are the nutrition facts for one serving of stuffed peppers with herbed quinoa (1 stuffed pepper):
- calories: 246
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sodium: 424mg
These nutrition facts may vary depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used in your recipe.
Why Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Quinoa is a Healthy Meal Option
Stuffed peppers with herbed quinoa is a healthy meal option for a variety of reasons. First, quinoa is a complete protein source and contains all nine essential amino acids. It also contains fiber, iron, and other important nutrients. In addition, bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. By stuffing them with quinoa and other veggies, you're adding even more nutrients to your meal. Finally, by using herbs and spices to add flavor to the dish, you're avoiding the need for added sugars or unhealthy sauces. This makes stuffed peppers with herbed quinoa a great choice for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Quinoa to Serve with Stuffed Peppers
To ensure that your stuffed peppers with herbed quinoa turn out perfectly, it's important to cook your quinoa properly. Here are some tips for making perfectly cooked quinoa:
- Rinse your quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness.
- Use a 2:1 ratio of water to quinoa for optimal fluffiness.
- Bring the water and quinoa to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until all the water has been absorbed.
- Let the quinoa sit for 5-10 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.
Using these tips will help ensure that your quinoa is fluffy and flavorful, and compliments your stuffed peppers perfectly.
Different Variations of Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Quinoa Recipe
Stuffed peppers with herbed quinoa can be easily customized based on your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Here are some variations you can try:
- Swap out the black beans for chickpeas or lentils for a different protein source.
- Add in other veggies such as zucchini, mushrooms or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use a different spice blend such as cumin, coriander, or turmeric to change up the flavor profile.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations and find the one that works best for you.
Serving Suggestions for Herbed Quinoa Stuffed Peppers Dish
Stuffed peppers with herbed quinoa can be served as a standalone dish or accompanied by other sides. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing and light meal.
- Serve with roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes for a heartier meal.
- Top with avocado slices or guacamole for added healthy fats and flavor.
These serving suggestions can be customized based on your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand.
Storing and Reheating Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Quinoa
Stuffed peppers with herbed quinoa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place the peppers in the microwave or oven until heated through. If you're making stuffed peppers with herbed quinoa ahead of time, it's best to leave the peppers uncooked and assemble them right before baking to ensure they don't become too soft or soggy.
Making a Meal Plan with Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Quinoa
Stuffed peppers with herbed quinoa can be a great addition to your weekly meal plan. Here's an example of how you could incorporate this dish into your meal plan:
- Monday: Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Quinoa
- Tuesday: Leftovers or takeout
- Wednesday: Grilled Chicken or Tofu with Roasted Veggies and Quinoa
By incorporating stuffed peppers with herbed quinoa into your meal plan, you can ensure that you're getting a healthy and balanced meal, without sacrificing taste or convenience.
5 FAQ About 1 Portion Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Quinoa
What is the serving size of 1 Portion Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Quinoa?
The serving size of 1 Portion Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Quinoa is one whole stuffed pepper.
What are the ingredients of 1 Portion Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Quinoa?
The ingredients of 1 Portion Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Quinoa include bell peppers, quinoa, vegetable broth, garlic, onion, olive oil, fresh parsley, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper.
How many calories does 1 Portion Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Quinoa contain?
1 Portion Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Quinoa contains 246 calories.
Is 1 Portion Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Quinoa vegan?
Yes, 1 Portion Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Quinoa is vegan as it contains no animal products or by-products.
How long does it take to prepare and cook 1 Portion Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Quinoa?
It takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare and cook 1 Portion Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Quinoa.