Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

I struggle to find new foods to tantalize my palate and make me feel full and fulfilled in the cold Fall and Winter months. I have always wanted to try stuffed peppers, but they looked like a lot of work and kind of messy. I must've been feeling adventurous the other day (or just really starving) and happened to have the ingredients on hand so I went for it. I peeked at some random recipes online and then tweaked a few to fit my unique dietary needs. The result was a delicious comfort food that even my husband enjoyed. I included cheese in the recipe because I used it in my husband's peppers, but you can omit the dairy or anything else you cannot tolerate. Or you can add onions, tomatoes, and whatever else you like, if you are able to enjoy those foods. Just add them by the half cup full or so. Now give these babies a try. They are very tasty and healthy! 

Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers 

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 ribs celery, finely chopped

1 teaspoon garlic

1 8-oz package mushrooms, stems removed , caps sliced very thin

3 large carrots, grated

1 14.5-oz can homemade chicken stock or store bought; if can tolerate 

3/4 cups quinoa

1 15-oz can black beans 

1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed

1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (omit if dairy free), 1/2 cup reserved

Salt and pepper to taste 

4 large bell peppers, halved lengthwise, ribs removed

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350. 

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add celery and sauté until soft, about 5 mins. Stir in garlic and mushrooms and cook until soft, about 1 minute. Stir in carrots, vegetable broth, and quinoa. Cover and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 20 minutes, or until quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and stir in black beans, corn, and 1 cup cheese (if using cheese). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Fill bottom of baking dish with about 1/2 inch water. Fill each bell pepper with 3/4 cup quinoa mixture and place in baking dish. Cover with foil and bake 40 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle each pepper with 1 tablespoon of reserved cheese (if using). Bake 15 minutes more or until tops of peppers are browned. Let stand 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy.