I almost always make these when I have leftover grains (above is black rice combined with quinoa, mix and match style) and with whatever veggies and scraps I have around. Or I use a grain salad - such as this Quinoa-Corn Basil Salad, one of my favorites.
- 1 medium veggie per two people, sliced and insides removed/scooped
- cooked grain or grain salad/stuffing and/or beans
- add-ins: chopped onion, garlic, veggie scraps, greens, herbs, corn kernels
- optional: ground meats, other veggies, chopped olives, cheese
Preheat
your oven to 400F. Put the veggie halves you want to stuff on a
rimmed baking dish with a little water as soon as you've halved them,
oven ready or not. I usually cook mine through (usually taking 15-20
min) before stuffing them, then just heat/melt the stuffed versions
together.
Prep
your grain mixture. Start with the Quinoa-Corn and Basil Salad or
make up your own (basically grains + veggies + herbs + seasonings).
If I'm starting with plain grains, I first saute some onion and garlic in a large skillet, add and cook any finely chopped veggies I want (plus ground meats if you'd like).
This recipe idea is so forgiving and a great way to practice getting comfortable cooking without a recipe! Have a tasting spoon handy and taste everything as you go along. Learn the flavors of the kitchen.
For best
results, the grain mixture should taste well salted before being
stuffed into veggie shells (since they are plain).
Stuff
your grain salads into your halved veggies, sprinkle with cheese, if
desired and bake until soft, melty
and hot, about 5-10 minutes. If I want the cheese to brown, or the
top to come out crisped, I finish them under the broiler for a few
minutes, watching them carefully. Serve with a green leafy salad and sharp knives.
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