Stuffed pepper with smoked corn

8 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
8largesGreen peppers
teaspoonSalt; divided
1teaspoonGround black pepper
3cupsCooked rice
15ouncesCanned black beans drained and rinsed
11ouncesCanned Mexican-style corn drained
1mediumOnion, chopped
1cupWalnuts, chopped
4ouncesCanned chopped green chilies
½teaspoonLiquid smoke
½teaspoonGround cumin
2ouncesMonterey Jack, shredded optional
Jalapeno pepper slices

Directions

Conventional Oven Instructions: Cut a thin slice from stem end of each pepper; remove seeds and membranes; rinse. Cook peppers 5 minutes in enough boiling water to cover; drain. Season inside of peppers with 1 teaspoon salt and black pepper; set aside. Combine rice, beans, corn, onion, walnuts, chiles, liquid smoke, cumin and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Spoon 1 cup rice mixture into each pepper; stand upright in 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Cover pan with foil; bake at 350F degrees for 20 minutes. Remove cover, sprinkle peppers with cheese.

Cook an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Garnish with jalapeno pepper slices.

Microwave Oven Instructions: Cut a thin slice from the stem end of each pepper; remove seeds and membrane and rinse. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and black pepper; set upside down on a paper towel to drain. Combine rice, corn, onion, walnuts, chiles, liquid smoke, cumin and ¼ teaspoon salt in 13x9 microproof casserole. Cook on HIGH 2 mins. Spoon 1 cup mixture into each pepper. Return stuffed pepper to the casserole. Pour ¼-inch water in bottom of dish.

Cover with vented plastic wrap. Microwave at MEDIUM (50% power) for 7 mins. Uncover and sprinkle cheese on top of each pepper. Microwave on HIGH 1 min. Garnish with jalapeno pepper slices.

Each serving *without the Monterey Jack cheese* provides: 293 calories; 10.1g protein; 10.4g fat; 43.8g carbohydrate; 5.2g dietary fiber; 0mg cholesterol; 465mg sodium Source: "Veg-able Rice" from USA Rice Council