Albanian Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa and Vegetables
Albanian Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa and Vegetables is a flavorful and healthy dish that showcases the best of fresh produce. These stuffed peppers are not only vibrant and appealing but also packed with nutritious ingredients that make for a satisfying meal. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering of friends, this recipe is sure to impress!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a wonderful way to incorporate more vegetables and plant-based proteins into your diet. Stuffed peppers are versatile and can be customized to fit your taste. Using quinoa as a base adds a nutty flavor and boosts the nutritional value with protein and fiber. Plus, making Albanian Stuffed Peppers is simple and provides a burst of color to your table!
How to Make Albanian Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa and Vegetables
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers, assorted colors (approx. 2 lb / 900 g)
- 1 cup quinoa, uncooked (6.3 oz / 180 g)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (16 fl oz / 475 ml)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (4.2 oz / 120 g)
- 2 medium carrots, grated (4.6 oz / 130 g)
- 1 zucchini, diced (7.1 oz / 200 g)
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (0.7 oz / 20 g)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (0.35 oz / 10 g)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (1 fl oz / 30 ml)
- 1 tsp salt (0.2 oz / 5.69 g)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (0.07 oz / 2 g)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (0.07 oz / 2 g)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (4.6 oz / 130 g)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rinse the quinoa under cold running water and drain. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the quinoa, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes until the broth is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Arrange the peppers in a baking dish, cut-side up.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and zucchini. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and add it to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the chopped parsley, mint, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before stirring in the crumbled feta cheese.
- Spoon the quinoa and vegetable mixture into the hollowed-out peppers, packing it in firmly.
- Replace the tops of the peppers and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
- Serve the stuffed peppers hot, with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of yogurt if desired.
How to Serve Albanian Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers are best enjoyed hot right out of the oven. Pair them with a light salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also drizzle extra olive oil on top or add a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess.
How to Store Albanian Stuffed Peppers
If you have leftovers, let the stuffed peppers cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Tips to Make Albanian Stuffed Peppers
- Feel free to mix and match vegetables according to what you have on hand.
- Add some spice by including red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers in the filling.
- For a vegan option, skip the feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute.
Variation
You can switch up the grains by using rice or couscous instead of quinoa. Adding black beans or lentils can also enhance the protein content and texture of the filling.
FAQs
Can I prepare these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and stuff the peppers when you are ready to bake them.What if I don’t have bell peppers?
You can use other vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or even tomatoes as a base for stuffing.Can I freeze the stuffed peppers?
Yes! To freeze, wrap the stuffed peppers well before baking. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Albanian Stuffed Peppers recipe!
