Easy Vegan Harissa Turmeric Quinoa Stuffed Peppers: A Wholesome Weeknight Meal

há 2 semanas

Are you searching for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful vegan dinner that's also naturally gluten-free? Look no further! These Harissa Turmeric Quinoa Stuffed Peppers are a vibrant, protein-packed meal that will delight your taste buds and simplify your weeknight cooking. Loved by many, as one reviewer on abillion noted, "This looks so good. Thanks for sharing 🌱🌱✅✅💚💚🙏," while another exclaimed, "Yum!! 😍" Get ready to be inspired, just like another user who commented, "I'm inspired 😍"!

This recipe solves the common dinner dilemma of wanting something nutritious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It's perfect for busy individuals, families, and anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based goodness into their diet. The combination of warming harissa, earthy turmeric, fluffy quinoa, and nutrient-rich vegetables, all enhanced by a cheesy, umami kick from nutritional yeast, creates a truly unforgettable dish.

What makes these Stuffed Peppers a stand-out?

Beyond their vibrant appearance and delicious taste, these stuffed peppers are:

Quick & Easy: Designed for efficiency, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
Wholesome & Healthy: Packed with plant-based protein from quinoa and a bounty of vegetables. Quinoa is a complete protein, offering all nine essential amino acids.
Vegan-Friendly: Completely free of animal products, making them suitable for vegan and plant-based diets.
Naturally Gluten-Free: Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or preferences.
Dairy-Free & Egg-Free: A great option for anyone avoiding dairy or eggs.
Flavor-Packed: The unique blend of harissa and turmeric offers a warm, aromatic, and slightly spicy profile.
Versatile: Easily adaptable to your favorite vegetables or pantry staples.

Whether you're new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, these stuffed peppers are a must-try.

Ingredients

Here’s what you'll need to create these delicious stuffed peppers:

Red bell peppers
Quinoa
Harissa paste
Turmeric powder
Mixed vegetables (e.g., spinach, zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms)
Nutritional yeast flakes
Olive oil
Vegetable broth or water
Salt and black pepper to taste

Ingredients for Vegan Quinoa Stuffed Peppers laid out ready for cooking A colorful array of fresh ingredients for your Harissa Turmeric Quinoa Stuffed Peppers, ready to be transformed into a delicious meal.

Equipment

Large baking dish or roasting pan
Medium saucepan with lid
Large mixing bowl
Cutting board
Sharp knife

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Harissa Turmeric Quinoa Stuffed Peppers:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve the red peppers lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them cut-side up in your baking dish.
Cook the quinoa according to package directions, typically simmering 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth or water until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
While the quinoa cooks, finely chop your desired mixed vegetables.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped vegetables, harissa paste, turmeric powder, and nutritional yeast. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Spoon the quinoa mixture generously into each pepper half.
Pour a small amount of water or vegetable broth (about 1/4 cup) into the bottom of the baking dish to create steam, which helps the peppers cook and keeps them from drying out.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender-crisp and the filling is heated through. For a slightly charred finish on the peppers, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Serve hot and enjoy your wholesome, flavorful meal!

Variations & Adaptations

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of harissa to your preference. For extra heat, add a pinch of chili flakes. For less spice, reduce harissa and add a touch more smoked paprika for color and depth.
Protein Boost: Incorporate cooked chickpeas, black beans, or crumbled firm tofu into the quinoa mixture for added protein and texture.
Cheesy Goodness: If you love a cheesy flavor, consider mixing in some shredded vegan mozzarella or vegan cheese into the filling before baking, or sprinkle on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Different Grains: While quinoa is excellent, you could substitute it with brown rice, bulgur, or couscous for a different texture.
Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what's in season. Broccoli, cauliflower florets, or corn would also work wonderfully.
Herbaceous Touch: Finish with fresh parsley or coriander for a burst of freshness.

Tips & Hacks

Perfectly Roasted Peppers: To get tender peppers without overcooking the filling, you can pre-roast the pepper halves for 10-15 minutes before stuffing them. This ensures they are soft and easy to cut.
Batch Cooking: Cook a larger batch of quinoa at the beginning of the week. This makes assembling these stuffed peppers (and other meals) even faster.
Easy Hollowing: Use a small spoon or a grapefruit spoon to easily scoop out the seeds and membranes from the bell peppers, creating a neat cavity for the filling.
Flavor Infusion: Sauté the chopped vegetables with a little olive oil, garlic powder, and onion powder before mixing them with the quinoa for an extra layer of flavor.

Ready to try this mouthwatering recipe? Give these Easy Vegan Harissa Turmeric Quinoa Stuffed Peppers a go and share your delicious creations on abillion! We love seeing how you make these recipes your own.