Stuffed Bell Peppers with Feta and Vegetables

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the peppers.
2. Prepare the Peppers: Wash the bell peppers, slice off the tops, and remove the seeds and membranes from the inside. If necessary, trim a small slice off the bottom of each pepper to help them stand upright during baking. Set the peppers aside.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the Veggies: Stir in the diced zucchini, eggplant (if using), and chopped cherry tomatoes. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and starting to caramelize. Add the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until wilted.
3. Season the Filling: Add salt, pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Stir in the cooked quinoa (or rice) and remove from heat. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes before stirring in the crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

1. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the vegetable and quinoa mixture into each bell pepper, pressing gently to pack the filling in. Fill each pepper generously to the top. If you have any extra filling, you can either stuff the peppers further or serve the leftover filling as a side dish.
2. Top with Cheese: If you’d like to add a cheesy topping, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.

Step 4: Bake the Stuffed Peppers

1. Bake the Peppers: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, standing upright. Cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent the tops from burning. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
2. Optional Final Step: If you added mozzarella cheese on top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to melt and turn golden brown.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Garnish and Serve: Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, if desired. Serve as a main dish or with a side of your choice, such as a fresh salad or roasted potatoes.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Bell Peppers:

• Customize the Filling: Feel free to swap out the quinoa for rice, couscous, or even farro for a different base. You can also add chickpeas, beans, or nuts for extra protein.
• Add More Veggies: If you want to make the filling even heartier, consider adding roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, or corn for more flavor and texture.
• Make It Spicy: For those who love spice, toss in some chopped jalapeños or sprinkle chili powder into the filling for an extra kick.
• Meal Prep: These stuffed peppers are great for meal prepping! You can prepare them ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. They also freeze well for up to 2-3 months—just bake them, let them cool, and then store in an airtight container.
• Try Different Cheeses: While feta adds a nice tangy and creamy flavor, feel free to experiment with goat cheese, ricotta, or even shredded cheddar for different flavor profiles.

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Bell Peppers with Feta and Vegetables:

• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fresh vegetables, quinoa, and feta, this dish is full of vitamins, fiber, and protein, making it a balanced and nourishing meal.
• Customizable: You can adjust the recipe to suit your tastes, add your favorite veggies, or use different grains to make it your own.
• Vegetarian Delight: This recipe is perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to enjoy a lighter, plant-based meal without sacrificing flavor.
• One-Pan Wonder: The peppers bake all together in one dish, making cleanup easy and hassle-free.

Conclusion:

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Feta and Vegetables is a bright and flavorful dish that makes the most of seasonal produce and wholesome ingredients. The combination of savory quinoa, sautéed veggies, and creamy feta cheese creates a satisfying filling that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the bell peppers. Whether you’re serving this as a hearty main dish or as part of a larger spread, these stuffed peppers are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try them today for a meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious!