quinoa stuffed peppers

i'm calling today Fancy Friday because

tonight i'm making quinoa stuffed peppers.

(keen-wah)

if you don't know much about quinoa, you should.

i'm not gonna lie, i don't know much either.

here's what i do know:

i know you need to rinse it before cooking

or it can taste bitter. the kind i bought is pre-rinsed. 

(so you might look for that on the box when you buy it.)

i know it's very filling and a great source of protein.

if you're vegetarian, you probably eat this often.

quinoa is gluten-free and wheat-free!

i can't think of anyone that wouldn't be able to eat this!

anyway, i bought a box of quinoa a few weeks ago at the store. the recipe for stuffed peppers on the back looked super fun to make. 

(this is not my own recipe. it's from Ancient Harvest Organic Quinoa.)

~

quinoa stuffed peppers

(makes 4-6 servings)

preheat oven to 325°F.

1 cup traditional quinoa

2 cups water

bring to a boil and cover. simmer about 10 mins.

4 large or 6 medium green peppers, steamed

cut off tops, clean out insides (seeds and membrane)

in a large pot or steamer, add about 1-2" water. place peppers in colander in pot and cover.

steam about 3-5 mins. you want them to be soft but not limp.

in pot or skillet, melt 2 tbps butter and add 1 medium, diced onion and 1/2 lb sliced fresh mushrooms.

add 1 28-oz can of diced tomatoes to the mushroom/onions (reserve the juice).

next, add 2 cloves, crushed garlic and 1 12-oz jar of mexican salsa.

cook over medium heat for 10 mins.

add 2 tbsp dry sherry and simmer 10 more mins.

(i substituted 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar.)

fold in the quinoa to this mixture. 

in baking dish, place steamed peppers and fill each with quinoa mixture.

add reserved tomato juice to remaining mixture and use it to fill in bottom of dish.

top each filled pepper with shredded mozzarella cheese (use about 10 oz).

bake for 30-35 mins.

~

since i've never made this before tonight,

i'm not sure how it's going to go over with the kiddos.

i have a feeling they're going to notice, tonight more than ever, that the halloween candy is gone.

*sigh*
so what if i just wasted time in the kitchen and a bunch quinoa. 

(i doubled the recipe.)

at least it's pretty.