GF Recipe Variation : Quinoa Stuffed Poblanos, take two.

[by Kate — guest gluten-free blog author] 

I decided to use a recipe that had previously been posted here on the Gluten-Free Blog and "make it my own" with some quick modifications that suit my tastes.

I started by reading the blog post about Gluten-Free Quinoa Stuffed Poblanos (link to blog post) and then I turned my attention to the recipe I was to start with — it is online here: GF and vegetarian Recipe: Quinoa and Smoked-Gouda stuffed Poblano Peppers (link).

(Picture from Original Stuffed Poblano Recipe before my changes.)

My Gluten-Free Recipe Alterations

I decided to spice things up a bit with some simple changes to the gluten-free ingredients list.  My variations from the original recipe — all with regards to the quinoa pepper-stuffing ingredients:

• Used smoked paprika, chipotle seasoning, salt and pepper for spices 
• Used mix of smoked Gouda and reduced fat sharp cheddar for cheeses
• Added chopped cilantro
• Added 1 chopped jalapeño
• Added some chopped red onion and fresh garlic 
• Added black beans (from a can) 
• Added 1 can Rotell (hot) tomatoes 

The results: very tasty, and a bit spicier than the original version!  I tried the original recipe before, and thought it could benefit from the added flavors and spices.  Plus, the black-beans and tomatoes further enhanced the Mexican-inspired flare of the original dish.  I have since used the leftover quinoa (with all of the ingredients I added to it) in some very tasty gluten-free tacos with beans, avocado, salsa, and greek yogurt.  Mmmm!

The picture above shows what my version of the recipe looks like when completed.  They look rather similar to the original picture (as shown at top of blog), and you can see the difference the beans, tomatoes, and other ingredients make to the filling.  And, there is some Greek Yogurt in the background ready for dispersing on the pepper once it is cut.

It is always nice to have adaptable recipes at your disposal that lend themselves to simple variations that you can make "your own" very quickly.  I'm a huge fan of quinoa also, and these recipes are a great way to put quinoa to use in your diet in a taste-infused way.