Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Having Hidradenitis Suppurativa has put limits on specific foods.  Many HS sufferers have found Food Triggers and avoiding these "triggers" has helped them maintain their HS and others have completely gone into remission.  I used to love cheese, but now this is something I avoid unless it is fat-free and I am not a huge fan of the flavor.  This is sad, but I didn't know you could make stuffed peppers without cheese!

Here is a stuffed peppers recipe that I thoroughly enjoyed....even without cheese!  

***This is not a good recipe for HS sufferers that have to avoid nightshades due to the peppers and tomato sauce.  

Ingredients

99% fat-free lean ground turkey

1 Cup quinoa

6 Bell peppers

2 cans tomato sauce, no sugar

1/2 cup no-chicken broth

2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

1/2 red onion, chopped

1 package baby Portobello mushrooms

2 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. garlic salt

1 tsp. basil

1 tsp. oregano

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Meanwhile, prepare quinoa according to the package.  
• Cut the tops of the bell peppers off and remove the insides.
• In a skillet, add 1 tbsp. olive oil, 1/4 cup no-chicken broth, onion, and mushrooms and heat on medium low heat until tender. 
• In a separate skillet, add 1 tbsp. olive oil, 1/4 cup no-chicken broth and turkey.  Combine all seasonings and sprinkle over the turkey.  
• When turkey is cooked through, combine turkey, quinoa and mushroom mixture.  Add 1 can tomato sauce.  Mix well.  
• Coat the bottom of a pan with olive oil spray and 1/2 can of tomato sauce.  Place the bell peppers in the pan.  Fill each bell pepper with the turkey mixture.  Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the bell peppers and cook in oven for 45 minutes.  

Quinoa: Quinoa is high in anti-inflammatory phytonutrients and minerals such as manganese and magnesium.  The anti-inflammatory properties in quinoa make it beneficial in disease treatment and prevention.  Quinoa is a complete source of protein containing all nine essential amino acids.

Bell Peppers: Bell peppers contain capsaicin which have antibacterial properties.  Bell peppers are also loaded with antioxidants such as vitamin C which helps boost the immune system and helps remove free radicals from the body.  

Extra Virgin Olive Oil:  Extra virgin olive oils have a phytonutrient called oleocanthal.  Studies have shown this natural phenolic compound reduces inflammation.  Extra virgin olive oils are also rich in antioxidants.

Red Onion:  Red onions contain quercetin which has powerful antioxidants.  Quercetin is known to act like an anti-inflammatory by releasing histamine in the body.  Onions also contain chromium which help control the blood insulin levels.

Portobello Mushrooms:  Portobello mushrooms are known as anti-inflammatory nutrients.  They also contain an antioxidant known as ergothioneine which help repel disease.  

Basil:  Basil is known to reduce inflammation and swelling.  It contains an oil eugenol which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties.  Basil is also rich in antioxidants which help support the immune system.

Oregano: Oregano contains rosmarinic which is an antioxidant.  Oregano is also a good source of fiber, vitamins such as vitamin K and minerals such as manganese.