Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers
This recipe offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it a satisfying vegetarian option for a holiday meal. The combination of quinoa, vegetables, and herbs complements the earthy and fruity notes of our Cabernet Franc, creating a harmonious pairing.
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COOKING TIME: 1 hour
Preparation Time: About 20-30 minutes to prepare the ingredients, including chopping vegetables, cooking the quinoa, and preparing the bell peppers.
Cooking Time: Around 30-40 minutes in the oven.
PAIRED WINES: Cabernet Franc and “Zin MAster” Zinfandel
SERVINGS: 4 people
INGREDIENTS
4 large bell peppers, any color
1 cup quinoa (or substitute with rice or couscous)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mushrooms, chopped
1 zucchini, diced
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup grated cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar), optional for topping
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Bell Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If they don't stand upright, slice a small portion off the bottom to level them. Blanch the peppers in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside.
4. Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft. Add the mushrooms and zucchini, and cook until they are tender. Stir in the cooked quinoa, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Stuff the Peppers: Fill each bell pepper with the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
6. Bake the Peppers: Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes. If using cheese, remove the foil, top each pepper with cheese, and bake for another 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve warm.