Ingredients

For the Peppers:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Filling:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa (or brown rice)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peppers:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse and pat dry.
• Lightly brush the outside of the peppers with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.

2. Make the Filling:

• In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent.
• Stir in the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Mix well.
• Add the cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• If you’re using cheese, fold in half of the shredded mozzarella into the filling mixture.

3. Stuff the Peppers:

• Spoon the filling mixture into each of the prepared bell peppers, packing it down gently.
• If you’re using cheese, sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella on top of each stuffed pepper.
• 4. Bake:
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• 5. Serve:
• Let the stuffed peppers cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley if desired.

Tips for Best Results

• Choose Your Peppers: Opt for bell peppers that are firm and have a good shape for stuffing. Red, yellow, and orange peppers tend to be sweeter, while green peppers have a slightly more bitter taste.
• Customize the Filling: Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients. Ground turkey, beef, or tofu can be added for extra protein.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Stuff the peppers just before baking for a quick and easy meal.

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