If you’re in the mood for a comforting meal that’s both vegan and gluten-free, look no further than these Unstuffed Peppers. Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, it’s made even easier with the help of an Instant Pot!
Favorite Meal Prep Main Equipment & Supplies
Vegan Gluten Free Worcestershire sauce: https://amzn.to/3HTvUcU
Parboiled Rice: https://amzn.to/49OgrqH
Impossible Meat: https://amzn.to/3wfG595
Instant Pot: When it comes to meal preparation methods, although I have a personal preference for using the Instant Pot, all recipes shared are suitable for stove-top cooking as well. When I opt for stove-top preparation, I typically utilize a 6.4 cups Dutch oven for soups. Both methods will have printable recipes available below to cater to different preferences.
Pyrex bundle: Before starting the cooking process, it’s recommended to gather and portion out all necessary ingredients, ideally completing some preparatory steps the night before to streamline the process. Using Pyrex containers not only makes storage easier but also doubles as a way to measure ingredients, reducing the need for repeated use of measuring cups. Furthermore, making sure the dishwasher is empty before starting helps speed up the cleanup after cooking.
Vegetable broth: In an effort to optimize cost-effectiveness, I have found purchasing vegetable broth cubes in bulk from online retailers such as Amazon to be a prudent alternative to carton-packaged broth. These cubes can be easily dissolved using an electric kettle and measuring cup set, providing a convenient solution for meal preparation. This equals $0.20 a cup.
16 oz. pint containers: For meal portioning, I suggest using 16 oz plastic pint containers, which provide an appropriate serving size without encouraging overconsumption. These containers, conveniently sold in packs of 50 on Amazon, are dishwasher-safe and freezer-compatible, providing versatile storage options.
These are Amazon Affiliate links that incur no additional cost when clicked.
With its hearty flavors and simple preparation, these Vegan Gluten-Free Unstuffed Peppers are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this dish is bound to satisfy.
Peppers
In addition to the tantalizing recipe itself, let’s delve deeper into the culinary wonders behind our Vegan Gluten-Free Unstuffed Peppers. Peppers, often praised for their vibrant colors and crisp textures, are the shining stars of this dish. From the classic green bell peppers to the sweeter varieties like red, orange, and yellow, each adds its own unique flavor profile and visual appeal to the mix. Whether you opt for a single color or a medley of hues, the result is a visually stunning dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Rice
But let’s not overlook the importance of the rice component in this recipe. While rice might seem like a humble ingredient, its role in the dish is anything but ordinary. By choosing the right type of rice, you can elevate the overall texture and flavor of your Unstuffed Peppers to new heights. White rice offers a light and fluffy consistency, while brown rice brings a nutty depth of flavor and added nutritional benefits. For those looking to experiment further, consider exploring exotic rice varieties such as jasmine, basmati, or even wild rice blends, each imparting its own unique character to the dish.
Impossible Meat
Now, let’s talk about the plant-based protein powerhouse that is Impossible meat. Made from simple, wholesome ingredients and packed with protein, this meat alternative adds a hearty and satisfying element to our Unstuffed Peppers. Not only does it mimic the texture and taste of traditional ground meat, but it also provides a cruelty-free and environmentally sustainable option for those looking to reduce their meat consumption. With Impossible meat, you can enjoy all the savory goodness of meat without compromising on taste or ethics.
Here are two ways to make the stew, either using the Instant Pot or on the stove top.
Vegan Gluten Free Unstuffed Peppers: Instant Pot
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 12 oz. Impossible Meat
- 2 cups diced green peppers
- 2 cups diced sweet peppers
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 2 cups tomato sauce 15 oz. can
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes undrained 15 oz. can
- 1 tbsp vegan gluten free worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup parboiled rice
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by soaking, rinsing, and draining the rice. Then, dice the peppers and onion as instructed.
- Saute Vegetables: Switch on the Saute mode on your Instant Pot. Add ½ cup of vegetable broth and cook the diced onions for a few minutes until softened. Next, add the minced garlic and diced peppers, allowing them to cook for an additional two minutes.
- Seasoning: Stir in the vegan Worcestershire sauce and black pepper. Once combined, turn off the Saute mode.
- Add Ingredients to Instant Pot: Pour in the remaining 2 ½ cups of vegetable broth, along with the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and parboiled rice. Give everything a good stir to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Pressure Cook: Lock the lid of the Instant Pot in place and set the timer to 5 minutes on high pressure.
- Prepare Impossible Meat: Meanwhile, on the stove, heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add ¼ cup of water and the Impossible meat, breaking it up into grounds. Cook until browned, then transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Natural Release: Once the Instant Pot timer beeps, allow for a 5-minute natural release before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Combine Ingredients: After releasing the pressure, stir in the cooked Impossible meat until evenly distributed. Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy your Unstuffed Peppers immediately, or portion them out into containers for convenient meals throughout the week.
Vegan Gluten Free Unstuffed Peppers: Stove Top
Equipment
- 1 Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 12 oz. Impossible Meat
- 2 cups diced green peppers
- 2 cups sweet peppers
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 2 cups tomato sauce 15 oz. can
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes undrained 15 oz. can
- 1 tbsp vegan gluten free worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup parboiled rice
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Start by soaking, rinsing, and draining the rice. Dice the peppers and onion as directed.
- Saute Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of 1/2 cup vegetable broth over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and diced peppers, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Seasoning: Add the vegan gluten free Worcestershire sauce and black pepper to the pot, stirring to combine.
- Add Ingredients to Pot: Pour in the vegetable broth, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and parboiled rice. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the peppers are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Impossible Meat: While the pepper mixture is simmering, heat a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add a ¼ cup water and the Impossible meat, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, then remove from heat and set aside
- Combine Ingredients: Once the rice and peppers are fully cooked, stir in the cooked Impossible meat until well incorporated.
- Serve: Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as fresh herbs or a sprinkle of vegan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Vegan Gluten-Free Unstuffed Peppers!
With its hearty flavors and simple preparation, these Vegan Gluten Free Unstuffed Peppers are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this dish is bound to satisfy you.
