Unstuffed Peppers Skillet

$To make a tasty unstuffed peppers skillet, you'll need some simple ingredients. Here’s the list: - 3 large bell peppers (any color), diced - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh) - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - 1 avocado, sliced (for serving) These ingredients blend well together. The bell peppers add crunch and color. Quinoa brings protein and a nutty taste. Black beans give more protein and fiber. Corn adds sweetness, while diced tomatoes offer juiciness and flavor. Cumin, paprika, and garlic powder add depth. Olive oil helps cook the veggies and adds richness. The cilantro and avocado are perfect for finishing touches. You can enjoy this dish alone or with sides. Each bite is full of flavor and nutrition. {{ingredient_image_1}} Sautéing the Bell Peppers Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 3 large diced bell peppers. I like to use a mix of colors for fun. Sauté the peppers for about 5 minutes until they soften. This step adds great flavor to your dish. Adding Ingredients to the Skillet Next, stir in 1 cup of rinsed quinoa, 1 can of drained black beans, 1 cup of corn, and 1 cup of diced tomatoes. You can use fresh or canned tomatoes. This mix brings in protein and fiber, making your meal hearty. Cooking the Mixture Now, add 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Pour in 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Stir everything well. Bring this mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The quinoa will absorb the liquid and cook through. Fluffing the Quinoa After cooking, remove the skillet from heat but keep it covered for an extra 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together. Finally, fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains. Taste and adjust your seasonings if needed. Enjoy your tasty unstuffed peppers skillet! To make your unstuffed peppers skillet pop, start with the spices. Cumin and paprika give a warm taste. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes. Taste your dish as it cooks. This way, you can adjust the salt and pepper. Don't be afraid to experiment. Each bite should feel balanced and flavorful. You can change the protein in this dish. If you like meat, try ground turkey or beef. For a plant-based option, add tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to cook it before mixing it in. Each protein will add a different flavor and texture to the skillet. Cooking on medium heat is key for this recipe. It helps the peppers soften without burning. Stir the ingredients often. This keeps them from sticking to the skillet. Covering the pan helps steam the quinoa evenly. After cooking, let it sit for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to blend. Pro Tips Choose Colorful Peppers: Using a mix of colored bell peppers not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a variety of flavors to your dish. Rinse Quinoa Thoroughly: Rinsing quinoa before cooking helps remove its natural coating called saponin, which can impart a bitter flavor. Customize with Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices like chili powder or oregano to tailor the flavor profile to your liking. Garnish for Freshness: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil right before serving brightens up the dish and adds a burst of freshness. {{image_2}} Alternative Grains Quinoa is great, but you can swap it for brown rice or farro. These grains add different flavors and textures. If you want a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice. It cooks fast and soaks up flavors well. Different Vegetables You can mix up the veggies, too. Try zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. These add color and nutrients. Try to keep the diced size similar for even cooking. Adding Proteins Want to boost protein? Add cooked ground turkey or chicken. You can also stir in tofu or tempeh for a meatless option. These make the dish more filling and add great texture. Vegan and Vegetarian Options This dish is easy to make vegan. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Ensure your spices and ingredients are plant-based. It’s a hearty meal that everyone can enjoy. Gluten-Free Adaptations The recipe is gluten-free as is! Quinoa, beans, and veggies are all safe. If you use packaged items, check labels to avoid gluten. Enjoy this meal without worry if you follow a gluten-free diet. - Refrigeration Guidelines: Let the unstuffed peppers cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to four days. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat. - Freezing the Dish: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the leftovers. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just make sure to label the container with the date. - Best Methods for Reheating: To reheat, use a microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place in a bowl and cover it. Heat for two to three minutes, stirring halfway through. On the stovetop, heat in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through. This keeps the flavors intact and the dish tasty. What can I serve with unstuffed peppers? You can serve unstuffed peppers with a simple side salad. A green salad adds freshness. You can also pair it with tortilla chips or crusty bread for crunch. If you want protein, grilled chicken or shrimp works well too. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for creaminess! Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare unstuffed peppers ahead of time. Just cook everything as the recipe says. After cooking, let it cool and store it in the fridge. You can keep it for about 3-4 days. When ready to eat, just reheat in a skillet or microwave. It tastes great even after a few days! How do I know when the quinoa is done? You can tell quinoa is done when it looks fluffy. The grains should have a little tail, called a germ, that shows. Usually, it takes about 15-20 minutes to cook. If all the water is gone and it’s fluffy, it’s ready to eat! If it’s still crunchy, add a little more water and cook longer. This blog post covered how to make a delicious unstuffed pepper skillet. We talked about the key ingredients, like bell peppers and quinoa, and shared easy steps for cooking. You learned tips to enhance flavor and explore variations to fit any diet. We also discussed how to store leftovers for later enjoyment. Remember, cooking can be fun and creative. Use these ideas to make the dish your own. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to experiment!$

Unstuffed Peppers Skillet

A quick and easy skillet dish featuring bell peppers, quinoa, and black beans.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

3 large bell peppers, diced
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
1 cup diced tomatoes, canned or fresh
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
1 avocado, sliced (for serving)

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bell peppers and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
Stir in the quinoa, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes into the skillet.
Add the cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Pour in 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Stir everything together.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
Remove the skillet from heat and let sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and slices of avocado on the side.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables.

Keyword healthy, quinoa, skillet, vegetarian