Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Did you know that quinoa is the only grain that is a complete protein.  Plus quinoa is easy to make and can be used in a lot of different dishes.  The other day when I was at the grocery store they had a bunch of red peppers on sale so I decided to stuff them and what better then to stuff them with then quinoa.  In general my family liked the quinoa part of this meal but not the red pepper part of it.  Oh, well I was on a roll and you can't win them all, but I am not giving up on the quinoa.

Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 each medium sweet red, yellow and orange peppers
• 4 medium carrots, finely chopped
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 tablespoons sunflower kernels
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
• Dash cayenne pepper

Directions

• In a small saucepan, bring the broth, water and bay leaf to a boil. Add quinoa. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Discard bay leaf.
• Cut peppers in half lengthwise and discard seeds. In a large kettle, cook peppers in boiling water for 3-5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and rinse in cold water; invert onto paper towels.
• In a large nonstick skillet, saute the carrots and onions in oil until tender. Add the quinoa, sunflower kernels and seasonings; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until heated through. Spoon into pepper halves. Place in a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until peppers are tender. Yield: 6 servings.