This recipe for quinoa stuffed tomatoes is healthy, filling, and easy to make. It makes a great vegetarian main course or side dish, and can be easily adapted to suit your taste. Quinoa is a nutritious grain that is high in protein and fiber, and makes a great alternative to rice or pasta. These stuffed tomatoes are packed with flavor and can be served hot or cold. Give them a try today!
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 4 large tomatoes
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium saucepan, bring quinoa and vegetable broth to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until quinoa is cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Stir in black beans, salsa, chili powder, and cumin. Set aside.
- Cut the tops off of the tomatoes and scoop out the insides, leaving a shell. Discard the seeds and pulp.
- Fill each tomato with quinoa mixture, and top with shredded cheese and chopped cilantro. Place on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot or cold.
Potential changes & improvements
There are many ways you can adapt this recipe to suit your own taste. Try adding different spices, using a different type of cheese, or adding other ingredients such as corn, diced green peppers, or chopped onions. You could also use different types of tomatoes, such as cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes. For a heartier dish, try adding some cooked ground beef or chicken to the quinoa mixture.
What other food it works well with
These quinoa stuffed tomatoes are a great main course or side dish. They would go well with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple soup. You could also serve them as part of a larger Mexican-inspired meal, along with rice, refried beans, and a side of guacamole or salsa.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake when making quinoa is to not rinse it before cooking. Rinsing the quinoa removes the bitter outer coating, called saponin, and will make the quinoa taste better. Be sure to use a fine mesh strainer to rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking.
Nutritional Information
Per serving:
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Protein: 13 g
Allergens
This recipe contains the following allergens:
- Wheat
- Soy
- Dairy