Vegan Stuffed Poblano Peppers

This easy, plant-based meal is packed with flavor and delicious nutrition in every bite! Hearty quinoa and black beans are embellished with onion, salsa and a simple avocado crema.

Prep time: 15 minutes; Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes. Serves: 4

Ingredients:

For the Quinoa:

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 1 tbsp grape seed oil
• 1/2 organic white or yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/3 cup chunky red or green organic salsa, plus more for topping; a homemade salsa or pico de gallo would work here as well
• 1/4 cup cilantro, plus more for serving

For the Peppers:

• 4 poblano peppers, skin on
• 1 tsp grapeseed, olive or coconut oil

For the Beans

• 1 15-ounce (425 g) can pinto or black beans, lightly drained (if unsalted, add additional salt)
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• Sea salt to taste (~ a pinch)

FOR TOPPING optional

• Creamy Avocado Cilantro Dressing (see link for recipe)
• Hot sauce
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced avocado

Instructions:

1. Add 2 cups water to a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add quinoa and cook, covered for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In the meantime, preheat oven to high broil and place a rack at the top of your oven.
3. Lightly brush whole poblano peppers with oil. Place on a baking sheet and broil on high for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until lightly blistered (see photo).
4. Turn oven off broil and preheat to 375 degrees F.
5. Let peppers cool for a few minutes, then peel away any blistered skin and use a paring knife to cut out the stem. Also cut a slit down one side of the pepper and use your hands or a spoon to scrape out the seeds. Set aside.
6. Heat a large metal or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 Tbsp oil and onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until soft and translucent.
7. Next add cooked rice, cumin, 1/4 tsp sea salt, salsa and cilantro. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
8. In a separate small saucepan over medium heat, add pinto beans and season with cumin and sea salt to taste. Once bubbly and hot, remove from heat and set aside.
9. Place peppers in a lightly greased, large baking dish (9x13-inch is best) and scoop generous amounts of the rice filling into each pepper using a spoon. Top with beans and a bit more salsa and cover the dish with foil.
10. Bake peppers at 375 degrees F for 15 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes uncovered. The longer they bake, the more tender the peppers will become.
11. Let cool slightly before serving with desired toppings (see options above). Best when fresh, though leftovers keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a 350 degree F oven until warmed through.

References