This is an amazing cold Quinoa salad stuffed into a pepper that has been slightly softened for taste and texture. It is a creation of another "V.I.C." Karen! Karen, is our vegetarian of the group and we will be seeing so many beautiful and delicious creations from her like this one, Karen, thank you so much for sharing this one. I am sure you will put a smile on many people's face's with this recipe. It is light, delicious, flavorful and soooo healthy. Not to mention.....absolutely gorgeous!!! What a great lunch with the girls idea!!! It's a winner and Karen's first entry into our Chef's Circle. Can't wait to see more!!
QUINOA STUFFED PEPPERS & TOMATOES
3 TOMATOES (LARGE ENOUGH TO HOLLOW OUT) 3 PEPPERS (COLOR OF YOUR CHOICE)
2 CUPS COOKED AND COOLED QUINOA 1/2 CUP DRIED CRANBERRIES 1/2 CUP DICED CELERY 1 CUP CHOPPED CHERRY TOMATOES 1 TBLSP BALSAMIC VINEGAR 3 TBLSP OLIVE OIL 2 TBLSP ITALIAN SEASONING 1 TBLSP FRESH CHOPPED PARSLEY SALT & PEPPER
***BALSAMIC GLAZE AND EXTRA FRESH PARSLEY FOR GARNISH***
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Start out by washing your tomatoes and peppers. Cut the tops off and core the peppers and hollow out the tomatoes. Rub the outsides of each with olive oil, turn upside down and place on a foil lined baking tray for 15 minutes in a 400 degree oven.
They should be slightly softened but still retain their shape. If you over bake them they will collapse so keep an eye on these.
Now place all remaining ingredients in mixing bowl and mix gently.
This is a beautiful and delicious dish by itself at any luncheon but putting it in the peppers and tomatoes......a whole new level!!
Lastly.....to make this dish crazy good....top it off with a drizzle of a balsamic glaze!! It is a gorgeous sight....you may want to just sit and stare at it for awhile....haha. But go ahead.....dig in!!! A great big special thank you to Karen!!! Keep an eye on the Chef Circle section for more great vegen dished from Karen!!! ENJOY!!!