Make a flavorful and simple Mediterranean dinner with these easy one-pan stuffed bell peppers. This recipe brings bright, fresh flavors right to your table with minimal cleanup.
Author:Leo Abraham
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:35 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:8 halves (4 servings)
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Mediterranean
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the peppers upright.
Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and membranes. Place the pepper halves cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked quinoa or rice, chickpeas, feta cheese, parsley, lemon juice, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well.
Spoon the filling evenly into each bell pepper half.
Pour about 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish (this helps steam the peppers).
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Notes
You can substitute the quinoa or rice with cooked lentils for added protein.
If you prefer a richer flavor, toast the filling mixture lightly in the skillet before stuffing the peppers.
Chef Tariq suggests adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the filling for depth.
For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.