These vegan quinoa and black bean Stuffed Bell Peppers are healthy and tasty and spiced with biryani masala. Great for gluten-free diets.
Here's an easy recipe that is perfect for weekdays or weekends, as an appetizer or an entree. It's packed with protein, incredibly good for you, and -- icing on the cake -- it's fat-free. Plus, it has a delicious Indian twist to it. My Stuffed Bell Peppers with biryani masala.
Biryani masala is a spice mix that you can buy off the shelf at any Indian grocery store, or you can try making the spice mixes at homeAs the name suggests, it is the spice mix used to flavor biryanis, but nobody wrote a rule book saying that's all you can use it for. In fact, biryani masala can be delicious in sides, subzis and -- in this case-- it can work its magic into an already flavorsome dish to make it absolutely sublime.
I wanted a recipe that was really healthy but also really filling, so I made my stuffing with a mix of black beans -- star antioxidants -- and quinoa, the perfect grain. I added into the mix some mushrooms and onions and then flavored it all up with the biryani masala. This is a recipe that's as simple and easy as it's healthy and delicious. In fact, the oven does most of the work.
If you're into grilling rather than baking in the summer (and I can totally understand if you are), these quinoa and black bean stuffed bell peppers are perfect for the grill. Stuff 'em, throw 'em on the grill, and cover them until the bottoms are nice and roasted. Plus, you'll have that great, smoky grilled flavor that will have every carnivore in the vicinity eyeing you with envy.
Here's that recipe for quinoa and black bean stuffed bell peppers. Enjoy!
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Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients
- 3 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup black beans (cooked or canned, drained)
- 1 tsp biryani masala (add more or less if you like food more or less hot)
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- 4 large button mushrooms (minced)
- 1 medium onion (minced)
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 4 cloves garlic (minced or crushed into a paste)
- ¼ cup cilantro (chopped)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan, add the onions with a tablespoon of water.
- Add a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, over medium-low heat until the onions start to soften.
- Add the garlic and ginger, saute for a few seconds, then add the turmeric.
- Add the beans and quinoa along with the biryani masala.
- Stir together to mix thoroughly. The mixture should be quite dry. Stir in the lemon juice and cilantro and turn off the heat.
- Prep the bell peppers by cutting into halves down the middle. Carefully remove the seeds and any white "ribs" so you have a clean cavity.
- Stuff the peppers with the prepared quinoa and bean mixture.
- Place the peppers side by side in a baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake the peppers in a preheated 350-degree Fahrenheit oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven. Garnish with more cilantro, if desired. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Hello Vaishali, Hope all well on your side. Long time since i dropped a line. Although, I have been visiting your virtual kitchen on and off. Just that work life has become crazy with too many organizational changes and deadlines.Nevertheless, I tried your stuffed bell pepper for today's dinner. just tasted a bite and messaging you. It is so yummy. I have no words....Simple and elegant too.
Many thanks for sharing.
A big hug!
Sheela
I make these at home with an Indian spiced potato, pea and brown rice mixture . I need to try this too:) roasted capsicums are so delicious!
Hi Shani, I sometimes stuff them with brown rice and veggies too. Yours sound delicious. And absolutely agree-- roasted capsicums, especially the green ones, are amazing!
Are coriander leaves the same as cilantro leaves? Vaishali, I must thank you again for this blog. I have used so many of your recipes and every single one has been outstanding. They've really upped my veg cooking game.
Hi Joan, yes, cilantro and coriander are the same! You can also try mint or even dill leaves for a delicious variation. And thanks so much for your kind and encouraging words about the blog-- I appreciate it! A happy Fourth to you. 🙂
These stuffed peppers are perfection! The filling looks really satisfying, and I love the flavor profile that you used.
Thanks, Shannon. 🙂