Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers (Healthy & Flavorful Dinner)

⏳ Prep Time: 15 minutes | ⏳ Cook Time: 30 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 4

Description:

These Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers are a nutrient-packed, well-balanced dinner filled with lean protein, fiber-rich grains, and vibrant vegetables. Stuffed with a savory blend of ground turkey (or lentils for a vegetarian option), quinoa, tomatoes, and herbs, this dish is light yet filling, flavorful yet healthy—a perfect choice for a satisfying weeknight meal! 🌶️🍅🌿

Ingredients:

For the Peppers:

• 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), halved and deseeded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Filling:

• 1/2 lb (225g) lean ground turkey (or 1 cup cooked lentils for vegetarian)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• ½ cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (omit for dairy-free)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush bell pepper halves lightly with olive oil and place in a baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

3. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey (or lentils) and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
4. Add onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in cooked quinoa (or rice), diced tomatoes, and chickpeas. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 3: Stuff & Bake

6. Spoon the filling evenly into the pepper halves. Sprinkle with crumbled feta if using.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes until the peppers are tender but not mushy.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions & Variations:

• Add olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flavor.
• Make it vegan by using lentils and omitting feta.
• Serve with tzatziki sauce or a side salad for a complete meal.