PASTA TONIGHT

ORZO-STUFFED PEPPERS

 

 Eating on the lighter side...that is one of the many things I am going to accomplish this year. I have known for many years how much food plays apart in how I feel. There are foods that literally cause inflammation in our bodies which we know leads to many diseases out there these days.  I know exactly what foods I can eat once a week or twice a month. What foods give me energy and what foods drag me down.   So I want to prepare dishes that are simple but yet taste out of this world with flavor.  So it excites me to share some really good healthy ideas with you this year.  

 TOMATOES we know are high in Vitamin A & C, and Potassium. There are other great vitamins and minerals in tomatoes which fight Heart Disease and Cancer.

GARLIC..I can't say enough great things about it. Garlic is an excellent herb for creating and maintaining overall health. Garlic is a natural antibiotic and fights against viruses, and bacterias 

PEPPERS are another great source of  vitamin C and B6 and beta-carotene and Folic Acid. They also is a great source of iron.

 

                                                                           
  Preheat oven to 400'F
 

1 ( 28-oz) can of whole italian tomatoes
2 medium zucchini grated
1/2 C fresh mint
1/2 C cheese
1/4 C extra-virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves minced
1 t salt
1t freshly ground black pepper
4 C low sodium vegetable or chicken broth
1 1/2 C orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
6 peppers ( red or yellow)
1/4 C chopped basil for garnish
          
 Pour tomatoes and their juices into a large bowl and break up the tomatoes. Add the zucchini, mint, cheese, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir together.


Meanwhile bring the chicken/vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add the orzo and cook for 4 minutes. The orzo will be partially cooked. Drain the orzo through a sieve, reserving the chicken broth, and add the orzo to the large bowl with the vegetables. Stir and transfer the warm chicken broth to a 3 quart baking dish.   


Spoon the orzo mixture into the peppers. Place the peppers in the baking dish with the warm chicken/vegetable broth. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle each popper with cheese and continue baking until the cheese is golden.  
Remove and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with some basil.

Dinner made simple and healthy for you and me. Please join me in planning better meals for ourselves and make this a healthy year!!      Enjoy Susan