This is a perfect Meatless Monday option as it’s packed full of quinoa and spinach.  If peppers aren’t your thing, the quinoa mixture on its own is a meal in itself. If you want a little added protein, adding ground turkey, lean ground beef or even ground bison are all really fantastic options.  

I typically will double or triple this recipe and have them for a couple days (my whole family loves them so they don’t last long).  They are a great lunch or dinner option and pair perfectly with a mixed greens salad.

I’ve also used the quinoa mixture in mini bell peppers and served them as an appetizer at parties.  It’s a guilt-free crowd pleaser!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed thoroughly
1 cup vegetable broth
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, chopped
3/4 cup canned crushed tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1/2 cup chopped baby spinach
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese (1 ounce)
2 large peppers (I used yellow and red)
4 tablespoons canned crushed tomatoes
2 teaspoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1/4 cup shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese (1 ounce)
1/3 cup vegetable broth

Directions:

Prepare the filling: Place rinsed quinoa in a medium saucepan. Add the broth and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the oil and garlic and cook, stirring, until golden, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, salt, and pepper to taste, and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes to develop the flavors. Remove the pan from heat, add the cooked quinoa, Romano, spinach, basil and mozzarella.

For the peppers: Halve the peppers lengthwise and remove the core and seeds. Place the peppers cut-side-up in a baking dish. Fill each pepper with 1/2 cup of the filling. Top each with 1 tablespoon crushed tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon Romano and 1 tablespoon Mozzarella. Pour the broth into the bottom of the dish. Cover tightly with foil.

Bake until the peppers are soft, about 50 minutes. Remove them from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

SOURCE: RecipeGirl.com

Caileen is a staple in the Arlington studio and Sweat Fixx community. Her and her competitive edge always show up before the sun in our early morning classes. She not only challenges herself daily, but she inspires and encourages those around her. Committed, driven and competitive (AF) are just a few words to describe her – without a doubt she is one of hardest working clients we have ever had (& we love her for it).

Caileen is a BOSS. She is a mother of 2, Executive Director of the Lexington Housing Authority and still finds time to CRUSH over 4 classes a week. We are pumped to announce our January Member of the Month… Caileen!

How did you first hear about Sweat Fixx?

I knew Michelle from a different studio and followed SweatFixx and Elise on Instagram.  I had been wanting to try it and was so pumped when they announced they were opening the Arlington studio as it was right down the street from me! I was there on opening day and haven’t looked back.

What keeps you coming back?

The community of supportive instructors and dedicated clients are second to none. You never know what class will be like; I always get a rush of adrenaline walking into the studio.  I love the competitive aspect of the classes- once someone sets a goal or does a little trash talking, it’s game on!  

What’s one thing that you look forward to every time you come to a class?

It’s the only time of day that I truly get to myself, and I look forward to it every morning.  I’ve made such great friendships and even found some long-lost cousins (ahem, Rich and Chelsea!).

What motivates you to be stronger?

I have two little boys at home, Bennett (4) and Frankie (2).  I want them to see that their mother is strong, dedicated, and can do anything! I also love seeing the physical changes my body has undergone – just by doing small changes like picking up heavier weights and focusing on form. I’m always looking for the next challenge!    

When you aren’t crushing it on the rower or mat, where can we find you?

I work full time as the Executive Director of the Lexington Housing Authority and am a mom to two toddlers.  My husband and I love to travel and show the boys new places. 

What’s your guilty pleasure?

A couple glasses of red wine, purple cow ice cream, my bed, and following fashion bloggers on Instagram. 

What are you most proud of accomplishing since you first came to Sweat Fixx?

I’ve become so much stronger than I was when I first started.  I’m also proud of how committed I am to showing up every week; even when life’s ups and downs can get in the way!

One tip that you would give to someone who is coming to Sweat Fixx for the first time?

Stand in the front – no one is judging you! Everyone here is so supportive and there’s nothing to be scared of – you just need to take that first class and you’ll be hooked!