Smoky Brown Rice–Stuffed Peppers

Smoky Brown Rice–Stuffed Peppers

6 servings
Preparation 1 hour 10 minutes
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Equipment

  • Saucepan 2-quart
  • skillet 10-inch
  • oven

Ingredients

  • 1 ⁄2 cup uncooked whole-grain brown rice
  • 11 ⁄3 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon butter if desired
  • 6 large red or green bell peppers
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 clove garlic chopped
  • 1 package 12 oz frozen sausage-style soy-protein crumbles
  • 1 can 14.5 oz organic diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
  • 1 ⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
  • 1 ⁄2 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 oz smoked Gouda cheese shredded (1 cup)

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 375°F.
  • Spray 11×7-inch (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
  • In 2-quart saucepan, combine rice, water and butter.
  • Heat to boiling over medium-high heat.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 30 minutes or until water is absorbed.
  • Meanwhile, cut off top of each bell pepper, slicing evenly across top of pepper; remove seeds.
  • If peppers will not sit upright, slice very thin strip off bottom but not cutting through.
  • Arrange peppers cut side up in baking dish.
  • Cut pepper flesh off pepper tops; chop.
  • Discard stems.
  • In 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add onion, garlic and chopped pepper; cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until onion is tender.
  • Stir in soy-protein crumbles, cooked rice, tomatoes, basil, oregano and pepper.
  • Cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until hot.
  • Remove from heat; stir in 1⁄2 cup of the cheese.
  • Spoon about 1 cup filling into each pepper shell, pressing very lightly with back of spoon.
  • Bake uncovered 35 to 40 minutes or until filling is hot and peppers are crisp-tender.
  • Sprinkle remaining 1⁄2 cup cheese on top of peppers.
  • Bake uncovered 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Notes & Wine Advice

If you have any remaining filling that won’t fit into the peppers, spoon the filling into a ramekin that has been sprayed with cooking spray and bake next to the peppers.
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Course; Rice

Mediterranean Gratin

Mediterranean Gratin

4 servings
Preparation 40 minutes
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Equipment

  • oven

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 350°F.
  • Make couscous as directed on box for version without olive oil.
  • Meanwhile, spray 11×7-inch (2-quart) glass baking dish or gratin dish with cooking spray.
  • In 12-inch skillet, place spinach and 2 tablespoons water.
  • Cover; cook over medium heat 2 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until spinach is wilted.
  • Stir in cooked couscous, roasted red peppers, lemon peel, salt, beans and 1⁄2 cup of the cheese.
  • Spread mixture in baking dish.
  • In small bowl, mix remaining cheese, walnuts and oil.
  • Sprinkle over couscous mixture.
  • Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Notes & Wine Advice

Look for boxes of plain and flavored couscous near the rice and legumes in your supermarket. Some stores may carry couscous in the ethnic-foods aisle.

Nutrition values

Calories: 590 kcal
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Cuisine; Mediterranean

Sweet Potato, Apple and Leek Gratin

Sweet Potato, Apple and Leek Gratin

5 servings
Preparation 1 hour 25 minutes
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Equipment

  • oven

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 375°F.
  • Grease 3-quart casserole with shortening.
  • In 2-quart heavy saucepan, cook whipping cream, leeks, thyme, salt, pepper and nutmeg over low heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture begins to simmer.
  • Stir in sweet potatoes and parsnips.
  • Cover; simmer about 10 minutes or until vegetables are slightly tender.
  • Layer half of vegetable mixture and half of cheese in casserole.
  • Top with apple.
  • Repeat layers of vegetables and cheese.
  • Bake uncovered about 45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
  • Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Notes & Wine Advice

Splurging now and again is what this rich gratin is all about. For a less rich entrée, use equal parts whipping cream and half-and-half instead of all whipping cream. Along with the gratin, serve a lightly dressed salad.
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Course; Casserole
Diets; Low Fat

Italian Veggie Burger Bake

Italian Veggie Burger Bake

4 servings
Preparation 1 hour 15 minutes
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Equipment

  • oven

Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked orzo or rosamarina pasta 6 oz
  • 4 frozen soy-protein burgers
  • 3 cups frozen bell pepper and onion stir-fry from 1-lb bag
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained
  • 1 container 7 or 8 oz plain hummus ( 3⁄4 cup)
  • 1 cup crumbled tomato-basil feta cheese 4 oz
  • 1 ⁄3 cup pitted kalamata olives coarsely chopped

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 350°F.
  • Spray 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
  • Meanwhile, on large microwavable plate, microwave burgers uncovered on High 2 to 3 minutes, turning once, until thawed.
  • Spray 12-inch skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat until hot.
  • Add pepper and onion stir-fry; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until crisp-tender.
  • Stir in diced tomatoes.
  • Cook 4 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.
  • Remove from heat.
  • In medium bowl, stir cooked pasta and hummus until coated.
  • In baking dish, layer half each of the pasta mixture, vegetable mixture and cheese; top with burgers.
  • Repeat with remaining pasta mixture, vegetable mixture and cheese.
  • Sprinkle olives evenly over top.
  • Cover tightly with foil; bake 35 minutes.
  • Uncover; bake 5 to 10 minutes longer or until thoroughly heated.
  • Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Notes & Wine Advice

The burgers in this recipe are microwaved for a brief flash to thaw them before the dish is assembled and baked. This step ensures they will heat through during baking.

Nutrition values

Calories: 470 kcal
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Cuisine; European / Italian
Diets; Vegetarian

Curried Lentils with Rice

Curried Lentils with Rice

4 servings (11⁄4 cups each)
Preparation 45 minutes
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Equipment

  • nonstick skillet 12-inch

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add cauliflower, carrots and onion.
  • Cook about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  • Stir in curry powder; cook and stir 1 minute.
  • Add water; heat to boiling.
  • Stir in lentils, rice and salt; return to boiling.
  • Reduce heat; cover and simmer 12 to 15 minutes or until lentils and rice are almost tender.
  • Stir in edamame; cook uncovered 5 to 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and lentils and rice are tender.
  • Gently stir in butter until melted.
  • Just before serving, sprinkle with peanuts.

Notes & Wine Advice

Red lentils are reddish-orange in color. While they are also known as European lentils, they are especially popular in Middle Eastern and Indian cooking. Look for these lentils in larger supermarkets or in those that specialize in Middle Eastern or Asian cuisines.

Nutrition values

Calories: 410 kcal
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Course; Rice
Diets; Vegetarian

Couscous-Vegetable Salad

Couscous-Vegetable Salad

6 servings
Preparation 25 minutes
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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook couscous as directed on package.
  • In 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper and onion; cook about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until crisp-tender.
  • In large bowl, toss couscous, vegetable mixture, pesto and vinegar.
  • Serve warm or cool.

Notes & Wine Advice

Couscous is on the most-wanted list because it’s versatile, tastes great and is fast to fix—it only takes 5 minutes! This tiniest form of pasta is granular semolina, a staple of North African cuisine.

Nutrition values

Calories: 300 kcal
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Course; Rice
Diets; Vegetarian

Crunchy Oriental Chicken Salad

Crunchy Oriental Chicken Salad

Preparation 25 minutes
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Equipment

  • Small bowl

Ingredients

  • DRESSING
  • 1 ⁄3 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
  • 1 ⁄4 cup Asian sesame dressing and marinade
  • SALAD
  • 1 package 10 or 10.5 oz frozen chicken-style breaded soy-protein nuggets
  • 8 cups torn mixed salad greens
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots 11⁄2 medium
  • 2 medium green onions sliced (2 tablespoons)
  • 1 cup wide chow mein noodles

Instructions

  • In small bowl, mix dressing ingredients with whisk until creamy.
  • Heat nuggets as directed on package.
  • Divide salad greens, cabbage, carrots and onions among 4 plates or 4 shallow bowls.
  • Top with nuggets; sprinkle with noodles.
  • Drizzle with dressing.

Notes & Wine Advice

When time is tight, the produce department of the supermarket can come to the rescue! To save you time in the kitchen, look for all the convenience items you can find—such as preshredded carrots.

Nutrition values

Calories: 440 kcal
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Pepper and Soybean Stir-Fry

Pepper and Soybean Stir-Fry

4 servings
Preparation 20 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 2 ⁄3 cup uncooked jasmine rice
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 bag 1 lb frozen bell pepper and onion stir-fry
  • 1 bag 12 oz frozen shelled edamame (green) soybeans
  • 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk not cream of coconut
  • 1 ⁄2 cup salted roasted cashews
  • Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if desired

Instructions

  • Cook rice in water as directed on package.
  • Meanwhile, in 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add curry powder; cook 1 minute, stirring frequently.
  • Stir in bell pepper and onion stir-fry, soybeans and garlic.
  • Cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Cover; cook about 3 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender.
  • Stir in coconut milk.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer uncovered 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Serve mixture over rice.
  • Sprinkle with cashews and if desired, cilantro.

Notes & Wine Advice

Be sure you’re on the right page—coconut milk is made from the flesh of coconut, not the thin liquid found inside the ripe fruit. It gives the sauce subtle coconut flavor and a creamy texture. Look for regular and reduced-fat (“lite”) coconut milk in the Asian foods aisle.

Nutrition values

Calories: 520 kcal
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Course; Side Dish
Diets; Vegetarian

Stir-Fried Tofu with Almonds

Stir-Fried Tofu with Almonds

4 servings
Preparation 30 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 4 oz uncooked spinach fettuccine or fettuccine broken into 3-inch pieces
  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1⅛ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 package 14 oz firm or extra-firm tofu, drained if needed
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • cups small fresh cauliflower florets
  • 1 large red or green bell pepper cut into 1⁄4-inch strips
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • cup sliced almonds toasted*

Instructions

  • Cook and drain fettuccine as directed on package.
  • Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix broth, wine, cornstarch, hoisin sauce and pepper; set aside.
  • Place drained tofu between 2 layers of paper towels; press gently to remove as much water as possible.
  • Cut into 3⁄4-inch cubes; set aside.
  • Heat wok or 12-inch skillet over high heat.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of the oil; rotate wok to coat side.
  • Cook and stir cauliflower and bell pepper in oil about 4 minutes or until crisp-tender.
  • Remove vegetables from wok.
  • Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to wok; rotate wok to coat side.
  • Cook tofu and garlic in oil over high heat 5 minutes, stirring gently.
  • Stir in reserved broth mixture; cook and stir about 1 minute or until thickened.
  • Stir in vegetables and fettuccine; cook until thoroughly heated.
  • Sprinkle with almonds.

Notes & Wine Advice

*To toast almonds, sprinkle in ungreased heavy skillet. Cook over medium heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until nuts begin to brown, then stirring constantly until nuts are light brown.
Uniquely flavored hoisin sauce can best be described as an Asian barbecue sauce, yet it’s nothing like its American counterpart! It can be found near the other Asian sauces.

Nutrition values

Calories: 390 kcal
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Hearty Soybean and Cheddar Pasta Salad

Hearty Soybean and Cheddar Pasta Salad

4 servings
Preparation 1 hour 30 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked penne pasta 3 oz
  • 2 cups frozen shelled edamame green soybeans (from 12-oz bag)
  • 6 oz Cheddar cheese cut into 1⁄2-inch cubes (11⁄2 cups)
  • 1 large tomato coarsely chopped (1 cup)
  • 1 ⁄2 medium cucumber coarsely chopped ( 1⁄2 cup)
  • 1 small yellow bell pepper coarsely chopped ( 1⁄2 cup)
  • 2 ⁄3 cup Italian dressing

Instructions

  • Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
  • Rinse with cold water; drain.
  • Meanwhile, cook soybeans as directed on package.
  • Rinse with cold water; drain.
  • In large bowl, toss pasta, soybeans and remaining ingredients.
  • Cover; refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes & Wine Advice

Edamame is the Japanese name for fresh green soybeans, tasty little bright green gems that are high in protein and easily digested. Try eating them as a snack or appetizer—you will love them!

Nutrition values

Calories: 520 kcal
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Course; Cheese / Pasta / Salad
Diets; Vegetarian