January 31, 2014
30 Day Challenge || Jessica Day 12: Rest = Quinoa & Turkey Stuffed Peppers
I woke up sore this morning after the side lunge blitz that was Day 10 and Day 11. After a long walk/hike with my baby in our hilly neighborhood, I had a marathon batch cooking session.
I came up with a lean, protein rich dish that was simple and delicious. Try it out and let me know what you think!
Quinoa & Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients for 5 servings (1 pepper = 1 serving)
1.25 lb ground lean turkey
2 minced garlic cloves
1/2 onion, finely diced
1.5 cups cooked quinoa
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 14 oz can diced tomatoes (low sodium): tomatoes strained, juice reserved
1 Tbsp each: oregano, basil, parsley
1 tsp sage
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp fresh ground black pepper
2 pinches of salt
5 large/medium sized bell peppers, de-seeded, tops removed, and steamed*
Shredded mozzarella cheese (a little)
Shredded Parmesan cheese (a little)
*If you prefer soft peppers, steam them. If you prefer firm, crisp-tender peppers like I do, skip the steaming. Also, if you will make this in a crock pot**, skip the steaming.
Preparation
- Make the quinoa if you haven't already per the box directions (1 cup dry quinoa: 2 cups water). (I made more than 1.5 cups to use for other meals this week.)
- Pre-heat the oven to 325 F.
- Steam the peppers for a few minutes if you choose to.
- Cook the ground turkey. Add the garlic and onion and cook until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine the turkey, quinoa, strained tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices. Mix very well.
- Spoon the mixture into each pepper.
- Arrange in an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with cheese, and pour the reserved tomato juice into the dish.
- Bake 30-35 min.
- Don't steam the peppers, and save the tops!!
- Don't sprinkle the cheese on the peppers.
- Arrange the stuffed peppers in a crockpot and place their tops on them. Pour the reserved tomato juice into the bottom of the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4 hours, or until the peppers are tender.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the peppers (tops removed)