Delicious and Easy-to-Make Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Stuffed bell peppers are a timeless dish enjoyed by many around the world, known for their rich flavors and satisfying textures. In the UK, where vegetarianism is more popular than ever, this vegetarian stuffed bell peppers recipe brings a fresh twist to a classic meal and is perfectly suited for air frying.
Why Choose Air Frying?
Air frying has become a popular cooking method, not just because it can mimic the texture of fried foods with significantly less oil, but because it helps maintain the nutritional value of vegetables, like bell peppers. With air frying, you'll achieve that perfect crispy texture outside, while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color of your choice)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 can (400g) of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup sweetcorn (canned or fresh)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese or a plant-based alternative
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (360°F).
- Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
- In a large frying pan, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add the cooked quinoa or rice, black beans, sweetcorn, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for a few minutes until well combined and heated through.
- Take the mixture off the heat and add half of the cheese, stirring until it melts and the mixture is creamy.
- Stuff each pepper with the mixture and place them in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the peppers with olive oil.
- Air fry the stuffed peppers for about 12-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender, yet retain some firmness.
- Open the air fryer and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each pepper. Fry for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Carefully remove the peppers from the air fryer using tongs.
- Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Stuffed Peppers
- Choosing the Right Pepper: Opt for peppers that are relatively uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
- Customise Your Filling: You can swap out quinoa for couscous or use different beans such as lentils or chickpeas.
- Enhance Flavour: For a Mediterranean flair, add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling.
Nutritional Information
This recipe is not only delicious but is also packed full of proteins, fibres, and various nutrients, making it a healthy choice for a wholesome meal.
Conclusion
These vegetarian stuffed bell peppers are a vibrant and hearty option for a main course that can please even the fussiest eater. Quick to prepare and easy to cook in an air fryer, this dish is a great addition to any recipe collection. Enjoy these flavour-packed peppers with friends and family and relish in a vegetarian dish that doesn't compromise on taste!