| April 22nd is celebrated as "Earth Day" by pretty | | | | 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil |
| much every country in the world. It's a day | | | | 4 cloves garlic, minced |
| intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for | | | | 1/2 onion, finely chopped |
| the Earth's environment. What better way to | | | | 1 (8-ounce) package tempeh (such as Lightlife), |
| celebrate than with an earth-friendly vegetarian | | | | crumbled |
| recipe! The concept of "green living" covers a lot | | | | Unrefined sea salt, to taste |
| of things, such as turning down the thermostat, | | | | 1 teaspoon paprika |
| using "green" cleaning products, etc., but it | | | | 2 pinches cayenne pepper |
| definitely includes "green eating" too. What you | | | | 1 teaspoon cumin |
| choose to eat makes a BIG difference to our | | | | 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed |
| environment. Modern agriculture is very damaging | | | | 11/2 cups good-quality, all-natural prepared |
| to our planet because of all the pesticides, | | | | marinara sauce |
| herbicides and antibiotics that pollute our air, water | | | | 1 (4.5-ounce) can chopped green chiles |
| and soil. Packaging (think plastics!) and long-distance | | | | 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro |
| distribution (think gasoline) just make a bad | | | | 1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained |
| situation worse. Eating local, organic and | | | | 4 red bell peppers, tops removed and seeded |
| plant-based foods is an easy way to "green-up" | | | | 1/2 cup shredded, low-fat organic cheddar cheese |
| your lifestyle-which will help save the planet AND | | | | Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet to |
| improve your health! It's a win-win for the earth | | | | medium-high; add garlic and onion, and saute until |
| and your body. | | | | onion is just tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add the |
| In the spirit of Earth Day below is the recipe for | | | | tempeh and saute for 3-4 minutes. Season onion |
| Slow-Cooker Mexican-Style Vegetarian Stuffed | | | | and tempeh with salt to taste. Mix in the paprika, |
| Peppers. These festive looking jumbo stuffed | | | | cayenne pepper, cumin, and corn kernels. |
| jewels are incredibly easy to make and a perfect | | | | In a small bowl, whisk together the marinara |
| way for vegan tempeh to hide out in a medley of | | | | sauce and green chiles. Pour the marinara-green |
| south-of-the-border flavors, interesting textures | | | | chile mixture into the skillet with the tempeh; mix |
| and bright colors. | | | | well to combine. Stir in the cilantro and black |
| For whatever reason, stuffed peppers always | | | | beans. |
| look so impressive and fun... at least I think so! | | | | Stuff the peppers with the tempeh mixture. |
| They're perfect for easygoing entertaining. And, | | | | Arrange the peppers in a 5- or 6-quart slow |
| by using the slow cooker you dramatically reduce | | | | cooker. Cover and cook the peppers on high for |
| hands-on cooking time. One stuffed pepper is | | | | 2 hours or on low for 4 hours. Remove the lid |
| pretty much a meal by itself, but you could | | | | and top the peppers with the shredded cheese, |
| always add a side salad or some vegetable based | | | | replace the cover, and cook on high for 15 to 20 |
| soup. Enjoy! | | | | additional minutes. Allow peppers to cool 10-15 |
| Ingredients (Serves 4) | | | | minutes before serving. Serve warm. |