Quinoa Stuffed Grilled Peppers

It’s that time of year where everyone heads outside, dusts off their grills and gets to grillin.  Plus is doesn’t hurt that we have an abundance of local produce jumping out at us at the markets saying “grill me, I will be good grilled.”  Yes, that is exactly what happens.  So these peppers stood out to me and I came up with this recipe.  My mind wanders to see how I can make it that much healthier and better.  I usually have quinoa at the house and that is where my mind took me that day.  Not to mention the fact that I added turmeric which is super healthy and a natural anti inflammatory spice, which everyone can benefit from, so use more turmeric, it will make your body happier.  While prepping for this dish, I took a look at my veggies, and spices, this is what I found…

As far as the veggies in the quinoa, you are welcome to use what you have on hand.  Snap peas, or green beans would be great!  Or try some supper fine sliced cabbage.  I also made plenty of quinoa for leftovers for the week.  So if you’re not into leftover quinoa, cut the recipe in half.

Side Note:  I usually don’t serve inedible garnishes or parts of veggies, but I thought the stem looked very pretty on this dish, so I kept it.  Plus it was a great tool to use to turn the peppers while grilling.

Tips for Cooking Quinoa:  Just like rice, add liquid, salt, and spices if using.  Simply cover and leave it alone, don’t stir it, don’t check on it, leave it alone for at least 10 minutes, then you can lift the lid, add stuff and fluff.  Always use a fork or chopsticks to fluff it.  That’s about it.  If you have questions, let me know below!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

4 yellow bell peppers cut in half, dice the scraps

1 cup medium dice zucchini

1/2 cup medium dice carrots

1/2 cup small dice onion

1 cup quinoa

2 cups stock or water

1 tsp turmeric

salt and pepper

pinch cumin or 1/8 tsp

olive oil or any other healthy oil you like to use

fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish

How To for the Quinoa:

1.  Drizzle a couple tbsp of oil into a medium sauce pot over medium heat, add the onions.  Sweat on medium low heat for about 15 minutes to get all the sweetness out.  Some color is ok here, but no burn, keep the heat low.  Add the quinoa and stock/water, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp turmeric, pinch cumin.

2.  Bring the stock/water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover and cook over medium low heat for 15 minutes.  Check the seasoning after 10 minutes, does it need more salt?  If so, add a small pinch here and a little black pepper.  At 10 minutes add the veggies, carrots and zucchini.  Incorporate by fluffing with a fork.  Cover and cook for 5 minutes.  Turn heat off, keep covered.

Grilling Bell Peppers:

1.  Fairly self explanatory:)…

Cut peppers in half, or cut the top off, whichever you like better.  Dice the scraps for salads or put in the quinoa.  I did in half and scraps for salad.  Get your grill hot, oil the grates lightly with an oiled towel or paper towel.  Grab your tongs, and peppers, head outside!

2.  Place the peppers open side down over medium flame, leave for about 5 minutes.  Turn over and leave for another 5 minutes.  Peppers done!

Assembly:

1.  Stuff peppers with quinoa and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

BON APPETIT!

 enjoying leftovers…