Sopa Seca Stuffed Bell Peppers

On my quest one day to find a new treat to feed myself and my honey I came across "Sopa Seca" on the Foodnetwork.com. I veganized this dish the night I printed it, and loved it. Then my honey and I had an epiphany! This would make a great stuffed pepper! So now, this recipe is being shared with the masses.

Ingredients for Sopa Seca:

• 6 Green Bell Peppers
• 2 Packages Fideos (bundled vermicelli)- Hispanic aisle of supermarket
• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican)
• 1 teaspoon New Mexican chili powder
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 1/2 cups canned whole tomatoes
• 1 to 2 chipotles en adobo sauce, minced
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 can black beans

Directions:

1. Cut the tops off the bell peppers, scoop out the insides, and dice the tops of the bell peppers and throw in pan.
2. Saute, garlic, onion, and diced bell pepper for about 3 minutes
3. Stir in the garlic, coriander, oregano, chili powder, and bay leaf, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds
4. Crush the tomatoes over the pot with your hand and add them to the pot along with their juices. Add the chipotles, increase the heat to high, and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
5. Stir in the broth, the toasted fideos, salt, and pepper, to taste.
6. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer gently, uncovered, breaking up the fideos with a spoon, for about 5 minutes.
7. Stir in the Black Beans.
8. Stuff the bell peppers with the mixture and place in a shallow pan (pie dish works great), add enough water to cover the bottom of the pan.
9. Bake bell peppers for 20 minutes at 375 degrees.

We like to top the bell peppers with guacamole and salsa. The nice thing about this dish is you can make extra and the bell peppers freeze well for another meal later!

Here is the link for the carnivore version: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/sopa-seca-mexican-noodle-casserole-recipe/index.html