The Anaheim pepper is a wonderfully mild chili that adds just the right amount of heat and a subtle smoky flavor to any dish. Perfect for vegetarians looking to spice up their meals, Anaheim peppers are versatile and easy to cook with.
Whether you’re roasting, stuffing, or blending them into sauces, these peppers can elevate your culinary creations without overpowering other flavors. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.
In this post, I’ll walk you through several vegetarian Anaheim pepper recipes that are simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. From stuffed peppers bursting with veggies and cheese to a zesty Anaheim pepper salsa, these recipes will inspire you to incorporate this underrated pepper into your weekly meal plans.
Ready to add some color and spice to your table? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Anaheim pepper recipes are perfect for anyone who loves vegetable-forward meals with a hint of spice. They’re:
- Easy to prepare: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make these recipes approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
- Nutritious: Loaded with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, Anaheim peppers enhance your meals’ nutritional value.
- Versatile: Whether roasted, grilled, or raw, Anaheim peppers complement a variety of vegetarian dishes.
- Flavorful without overwhelming heat: Their mild heat level makes them suitable for all palates, including kids and those new to spicy food.
- Perfect for meal prep: Many of these recipes can be made ahead and enjoyed throughout the week.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Anaheim peppers | 6 medium | Fresh, washed |
Olive oil | 3 tablespoons | Extra virgin preferred |
Onion | 1 medium | Diced |
Garlic cloves | 3 | Minced |
Black beans | 1 can (15 oz) | Drained and rinsed |
Cooked quinoa | 1 cup | Fluffy |
Corn kernels | 1 cup | Fresh or frozen |
Tomatoes | 2 medium | Diced |
Cilantro | ¼ cup | Chopped fresh |
Shredded cheese | 1 cup | Cheddar or Monterey Jack |
Lime juice | 2 tablespoons | Freshly squeezed |
Cumin powder | 1 teaspoon | Ground |
Salt | To taste | |
Black pepper | To taste | Freshly ground |
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Skillet or frying pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon for stuffing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
Instructions
- Prepare the peppers: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully slice each Anaheim pepper lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Be gentle to keep the peppers intact for stuffing.
- Roast the peppers: Place the peppers on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and roast for 15 minutes until they begin to soften. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Make the filling: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add beans and veggies: Stir in black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, cumin powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally.
- Combine quinoa and cilantro: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in cooked quinoa, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Mix well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Stuff the peppers: Using a spoon, fill each roasted Anaheim pepper with the quinoa and bean mixture. Press gently to pack the filling.
- Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over each stuffed pepper. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime if desired.
Tips & Variations
For a vegan option, substitute the shredded cheese with your favorite plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast.
Try adding chopped mushrooms or diced zucchini to the filling for extra veggies and texture.
If you prefer a smoky flavor, char the Anaheim peppers directly over an open flame before roasting.
Serve these stuffed peppers with a side of guacamole or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Protein | 12 g |
Carbohydrates | 38 g |
Fiber | 10 g |
Fat | 8 g |
Vitamin A | 150% DV |
Vitamin C | 130% DV |
Calcium | 15% DV |
Iron | 20% DV |
Serving Suggestions
These vegetarian Anaheim pepper recipes pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and beverages. Consider serving them alongside a vibrant green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a creamy avocado dip to balance the mild heat.
For an extra comforting meal, serve with warm corn tortillas or a side of cilantro-lime rice. If you’re hosting a gathering, these stuffed peppers make excellent finger food or can be sliced into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing.
To complement the dish, try a refreshing iced herbal tea or a sparkling lime water to cleanse the palate between bites.
Additional Anaheim Pepper Recipes to Try
Roasted Anaheim Pepper Salsa
This fresh salsa is perfect for dipping or topping tacos. Roast Anaheim peppers until charred, then blend with tomatoes, onion, garlic, lime juice, and cilantro for a smoky, tangy treat.
Anaheim Pepper and Black Bean Quesadillas
Combine sautéed Anaheim peppers and black beans with shredded cheese in a warm tortilla. Grill until golden and crispy for a quick and delicious meal.
Anaheim Pepper and Zucchini Stir-Fry
Sauté sliced Anaheim peppers with zucchini, garlic, and soy sauce for a light, flavorful stir-fry. Serve over steamed rice or quinoa.
Explore more recipes like these and others on our site, such as the Breakfast Wellington Recipe, Bread And Gravy Recipe, and the Blackstone Lo Mein Recipes.
Conclusion
Exploring vegetarian recipes with Anaheim peppers opens up a world of delicious, healthy, and colorful meal options. Their mild heat and smoky flavor make them a fantastic ingredient for stuffing, roasting, and blending into a variety of dishes.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty stuffed pepper recipe or a quick salsa to brighten your meals, Anaheim peppers deliver taste and nutrition in every bite.
With these recipes, you can easily incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet without compromising on flavor. Give these recipes a try, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Stuffed Anaheim Peppers (Vegetarian)
Description: A flavorful vegetarian dish featuring roasted Anaheim peppers stuffed with a savory quinoa and black bean filling. Perfect as a main or side dish, it's healthy and easy to prepare.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large Anaheim peppers
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice Anaheim peppers lengthwise and remove seeds.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add black beans, corn, tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cooked quinoa and remove from heat.
- Stuff peppers with the quinoa mixture and place in baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheese on top if using.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 38 g
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