Vegan Jack-o'-Lantern Peppers (Print Version)

Festive bell peppers filled with hearty vegan goodness make a standout centerpiece for gatherings or family dinners.

# What You'll Need:

→ Peppers

01 - 4 large orange bell peppers, or substitute with red or yellow bell peppers

→ Filling

02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
06 - 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
07 - 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
08 - 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
09 - 1 medium tomato, diced
10 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Topping

15 - 1/4 cup vegan shredded cheese, optional

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
02 - Slice tops off bell peppers and gently remove seeds and membranes. Use a sharp paring knife to carve jack-o'-lantern faces on one side of each pepper. Set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook an additional minute until fragrant.
04 - Incorporate cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, chopped spinach, diced tomato, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until spinach is wilted and mixture is evenly heated.
05 - Evenly fill each carved pepper with the warm filling. Top with vegan shredded cheese, if using.
06 - Place stuffed peppers upright in the prepared baking dish and replace tops as lids. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
07 - Allow peppers to cool slightly before serving for best texture and presentation.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Fun to carve and decorate for spooky occasions
  • Packed with protein and fiber
  • Uses everyday ingredients and pantry staples
  • Easy to make ahead for parties or busy weeknights
  • Can be customized for spice level and add-ins
02 -
  • High in plant protein and fiber so you feel satisfied
  • Gluten free vegan nut free unless cheese contains allergens
  • Freezes well making it easy to meal prep for later
03 -
  • Always use a sharp paring knife for clean carving on the peppers
  • Sauté the onion until really soft for flavor depth—do not rush this step
  • If using vegan cheese add it in the last few minutes so it melts but does not overbrown

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