Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

This is a versatile dish that can be prepared as stuffed peppers, as stated below. I'm the sort that doesn't finish much of the pepper shell, so to make it easier to eat, I like to dice the peppers and prepare this as a casserole.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 (14 1/2ounce) can vegetable broth
• 1⁄4 cup water
• 1  bay leaf
• 1  cup quinoa
• 2  medium  red peppers
• 2  medium  yellow peppers
• 2  medium  orange peppers
• 4  medium carrots, finely chopped
• 2  medium onions, finely chopped
• 1  tablespoon canola oil
• 1  tablespoon sunflower seeds
• 2  teaspoons parsley
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon basil
• 1⁄2 teaspoon oregano
• 1⁄2 teaspoon paprika
• 1⁄8 teaspoon marjoram
• 1⁄8 teaspoon thyme
• 1  dash cayenne pepper
• 1  cup  spaghetti sauce (optional)
• 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, bring the broth, water and bay leaf to a boil. Add quinoa. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Discard bay leaf.
2. Cut peppers in half lengthwise and discard seeds. In a large pot, cook peppers in boiling water. We like them nice and soft, so we did 20 minutes. Try 3-5 minutes if you prefer them crisp-tender. Drain and rinse in cold water.
3. In a large skillet, saute the carrots and onions in oil until tender. Add the quinoa, sunflower kernels and seasoning. Cook until heated through. Spoon mixture into pepper halves. Top with spaghetti sauce and/or Parmesan cheese, if desired. Place in a 15 inch x 10 inch baking pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Cover and bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes.