Mexican Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa & Black Beans

If you’re new to quinoa, this is a great way to try it. These were SO full of flavor and were absolutely delicious. I loved the quinoa stuffing mixture –quinoa, black beans, green chiles, cilantro, and more.

The cheese was more of a garnish than a necessity, so you could easily leave it off if you’re eating dairy-free or vegan. I also highly recommend making your own enchilada sauce. It’s completely delicious and just the right amount of spicy.

Serves: 8

INGREDIENTS

• 4 bell peppers (any color), sliced in half stem-to-tip, seeds removed
• 1c quinoa, uncooked
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 1 (15oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 roma tomato, seeded and diced
• 1 (4oz) can diced green chiles (don't drain)
• ¼c cilantro, minced
• ¼tsp salt
• ¼tsp pepper
• olive oil, if desired
• ½c Monterrey Jack, grated*
• ½c cheddar cheese, grated*
• 1 recipe red enchilada sauce (or 1 (28oz) can)*

INSTRUCTIONS

Add quinoa and onion to a large saucepan with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil 5 minutes, cover, turn off heat and let steam 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

In the meantime, microwave pepper halves 2-3 minutes to soften slightly. (Prepared this way, the peppers should come out crisp-tender. If you want them crisper, you can omit this step.)
Pour quinoa/onion mixture into a mixing bowl. Stir in black beans, tomato, green chiles and their juices, cilantro, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. If the mixture seems to dry, drizzle in a bit of olive oil (I didn't need any).

Pour enchilada sauce into a 9x13" baking dish. Divide filling among peppers. Nestle stuffed peppers into the enchilada sauce. Sprinkle with cheeses.


Cover the pan with foil and bake at 375 degrees 25-30 minutes. Remove foil and cook about 5 minutes longer. Serve peppers drizzled with enchilada sauce.

Source: One Lovely Life