Banana peppers are a delightful and versatile vegetable that can add a mild, tangy flavor and vibrant color to your vegetarian dishes. Whether you enjoy them fresh, pickled, or cooked, banana peppers offer a unique taste that complements many recipes.
For vegetarian food enthusiasts, incorporating banana peppers can elevate meals from ordinary to extraordinary with minimal effort.
In today’s blog, we’ll explore several delicious banana pepper recipes vegetarian that you can easily follow along with on YouTube or try out in your own kitchen. These dishes are perfect for those looking to add a bit of zing and nutrition to their plant-based meals.
From stuffed banana peppers to spicy dips and refreshing salads, there’s something here to inspire every palate.
Ready to spice up your vegetarian cooking? Let’s dive into these flavorful banana pepper recipes that are sure to become staples in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Banana peppers are low in calories but rich in vitamins A and C, making them a healthy addition to your meals. Their mild heat and crisp texture bring a pleasant contrast to many ingredients, boosting both flavor and nutrition.
These recipes are designed to be simple, fun, and adaptable for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, you’ll appreciate how banana peppers can transform classic vegetarian dishes into vibrant, colorful plates that excite your senses.
Plus, they’re perfect for batch cooking or quick weeknight meals, and many can be enjoyed hot or cold — making them extremely versatile.
Ingredients
- Banana peppers (fresh or pickled) – 6 medium-sized
- Cooked quinoa – 1 cup
- Black beans (rinsed and drained) – 1 cup
- Chopped tomatoes – 1 cup
- Shredded cheddar cheese (or vegan cheese) – 1 cup
- Chopped onions – 1 small
- Minced garlic – 2 cloves
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Chopped fresh cilantro – 1/4 cup
- Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon
- Chili powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Lime juice – 1 tablespoon
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Cream cheese (optional) – 1/2 cup
- Spinach leaves (fresh) – 1 cup, chopped
- Greek yogurt or vegan yogurt – 1/2 cup (for dip)
- Green onions – 2, sliced
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Baking dish (9×9 inches or similar)
- Skillet or frying pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula
- Blender or food processor (for dips)
- Oven
Instructions
- Prepare the banana peppers: Wash the banana peppers thoroughly. Cut off the tops and carefully remove the seeds and membranes inside using a small spoon or your fingers. Set aside.
- Cook quinoa: If not already cooked, rinse 1/2 cup quinoa and cook according to package instructions. Let cool.
- Make the filling: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add spices and beans: Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add black beans, chopped tomatoes, and spinach, cooking until spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine filling: Transfer the cooked mixture to a mixing bowl. Add cooked quinoa, cilantro, lime juice, and cream cheese (if using). Mix well.
- Stuff the peppers: Spoon the filling evenly into each banana pepper until they are generously filled.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Place stuffed banana peppers in the dish and sprinkle shredded cheddar or vegan cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the peppers are tender.
- Make a quick dip (optional): Blend Greek yogurt with sliced green onions and a few chopped pickled banana peppers for a creamy, tangy dip to serve alongside.
- Serve: Carefully plate the stuffed banana peppers and drizzle with extra lime juice or sprinkle fresh cilantro for garnish.
Tips & Variations
“To reduce the heat, remove all the seeds and membranes from the banana peppers, as they contain most of the spiciness.”
– Vegan option: Use vegan cheese and vegan cream cheese substitutes to keep this recipe fully plant-based.
– Make it spicy: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for extra kick.
– Try different grains: Substitute quinoa with rice, bulgur, or couscous depending on your preference.
– Use pickled banana peppers: For a tangier flavor, stuff the peppers with a mix of diced pickled banana peppers combined with cream cheese or hummus.
– Try baking in foil: Wrap the stuffed peppers in foil to keep them moist if you prefer a softer texture.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 stuffed pepper) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 |
Protein | 8g |
Carbohydrates | 22g |
Fat | 6g |
Fiber | 6g |
Vitamin C | 45% DV |
Calcium | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed banana peppers pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a warm slice of Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe or some homemade pita bread.
Consider topping with avocado slices or a drizzle of hot sauce for added creaminess and spice. They also make an excellent filling for wraps or sandwiches, much like the flavors you find in Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe.
If you’re in the mood for dessert afterward, try a sweet treat like Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe that complements the meal with a subtle banana flavor.
Conclusion
Banana peppers are truly a hidden gem in vegetarian cooking, offering vibrant color, mild heat, and a punch of nutrition. These recipes showcase how easy it is to incorporate them into your meals, whether stuffed, baked, or blended into dips.
Their versatility means you can experiment with flavors and textures, making each dish your own.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these banana pepper vegetarian recipes are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy healthy, flavorful meals without the fuss. Don’t hesitate to try these dishes and explore even more exciting vegetarian options on our site.
For more inspiration, check out our other vegetarian recipes and treats to round out your culinary repertoire.
📖 Recipe Card: Stuffed Banana Peppers (Vegetarian)
Description: A delicious vegetarian dish featuring banana peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, beans, and cheese. Perfect as a healthy appetizer or light meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 6 large banana peppers
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut tops off banana peppers and remove seeds carefully.
- Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
- Add diced tomatoes, black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cooked rice and half of the cheese; mix well.
- Stuff each banana pepper with the mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of stuffed peppers.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 30 g
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