Good Reads Library
Super Fast Food: Corn/Bean/Salsa Stuffed Peppers
This recipe started with a recipe for "Vegetable-Stuffed Peppers" in this book. Over time I omitted several ingredients (oil, garlic,onions and seasonings) and replaced them with jarred salsa or picante sauce.
I hadn't made it in a while, but I was looking through
the "Desperation Dinners" ladies most recent cookbook and noticed their recipe for "Stuffed Peppers With Kielbasa Rice". The stuffing looked good, but what really caught my eye was their quick cooking method for the peppers. Instead of boiling them on the stovetop (and having them turn pale green and mushy), they are quick cooked in the microwave. And the peppers stay green and "tender-crisp".
So I've combined the two recipes. It's fast--you can make it in about 15 minutes. It's easy--there are only 4 ingredient! And I really like the results.
This is also a healthy meatless meal. Corn and beans combined are a complete protein. You can use a reduced fat cheese--I do, though I won't touch the fat free kind.
Salsa is fat free and adds zip. Use any version you like. I used a mild kind. But you know the Man is going to be adding hot sauce to his portion!
CORN/BEAN/SALSA STUFFED PEPPERS (serves 2-3)
3 large green peppers
1 1/2 cups corn (thawed frozen or canned)
1 1/2 cups black or kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
1 cup salsa or picante sauce (your choice of strength and brand. I use Pace Mild Picante)
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I use a reduced fat kind--usually Kraft 2%)
Rinse and halve the peppers (from top to bottom) and remove seeds and membranes. Place the peppers cut side up in a glass or other microwavable dish (brownie pan size works) and pour 2 cups of cold water around (not inside)them. Cover them with a microwave cover or vented plastic wrap.
Cook on high for 4-6 minutes until cooked but still crisp.
While the peppers are cooking combine the corn, beans and salsa. Mix in the cheese.
Remove the peppers from the microwave and fill each cavity with the bean/corn mix. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top. Heat in the microwave just until the top cheese has melted--1 to 3 minutes.
EAT!
