Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
320 | 10g | 3g | 46g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
6g | 7g | 15g | 0.6g |
Why I Love American Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers with Avocado Crema
I must admit that I was initially hesitant to try this recipe, Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers with Avocado Crema, coming from a background laden with classic New England seafood. However, the moment I bit into this rich combination of nutrient-packed quinoa, vibrant bell pepper and the smooth and creamy textured Avocado Crema – I was spellbound! Though my heart belongs to the Atlantic coast, I can still appreciate a good classic American dish like this one.
A Twist on Tradition
The taste of these Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers surprised me — and in a good way. With similar recipes like the classic stuffed bell peppers, I was expecting a heavier, meat-based filling. But the quinoa and black beans provide a pleasant, lighter twist that works remarkably well and is equally filling.
Inspired by Chefs
While I didn’t have a specific chef in mind when creating this dish, it’s undeniable that the likes of Guy Fieri have paved the way for more adventurous takes on old classics, like his take on traditional stuffed bell peppers. This inspiration allowed me to venture out of my culinary comfort zone and discover brand new tastes.
In pairing, you could consider serving this recipe with a vibrant, leafy green salad or perhaps a chunky salsa for added zing. Whatever you choose, I’m sure these delicious stuffed peppers will be a hit at your dining table.
My daughters, Erin and Samantha, who occasionally turn their noses up at seafood-centric dishes, absolutely adore this American recipe. Watching their delighted faces as they discover new textures and flavors is one of the joys of being both a mother and a fan of great food.
So here’s the challenge – shake up your traditional menu with this recipe, and be ready for a delightful culinary surprise. And remember, don’t let the absence of seafood dissuade you. After all, the best dishes aren’t just those from our comfort zones, but also those discovered in the spirit of culinary adventure!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of uncooked quinoa
- 6 large bell peppers, tops cut, stemmed and seeded
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Avocado Crema:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Place the prepared bell peppers in a deep baking dish and set aside.
Step Two
Meanwhile, cook the quinoa according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, fluff it with a fork and transfer to a large bowl.
Step Three
To the bowl with quinoa, add the drained black beans, corn, chopped cilantro, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1.5 cups of the shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper, then stir everything together until well combined.
Step Four
Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture until they are all full. Top each pepper with the remaining cheese.
Step Five
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are cooked to your liking and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step Six
While the peppers are baking, prepare the avocado crema. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocados, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and minced garlic. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.
Step Seven
Serve the baked peppers hot, drizzled with the avocado crema and garnished with extra cilantro. Enjoy!