If you’re craving a taste of the Mediterranean, look no further than our delectable Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers. Packed with wholesome ingredients like quinoa or couscous, feta cheese, olives, tomatoes, and fragrant herbs, these stuffed peppers are a flavorful and satisfying meal. With their vibrant colors and robust flavors, they’re sure to transport your taste buds to the shores of the Mediterranean.

Ingredients:

For the Stuffed Bell Peppers:

• 4 large bell peppers, any color
• 1 cup quinoa or couscous, cooked according to package instructions
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, chopped
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tomato Sauce (optional):

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Equipment Needed:

• Large pot for cooking quinoa or couscous
• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Spoon or spatula

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Bell Peppers:

• Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes from the inside. Rinse the peppers under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

3. Cook the Quinoa or Couscous:

• In a large pot, cook the quinoa or couscous according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and set it aside to cool slightly.

4. Prepare the Filling:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa or couscous, crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped parsley, and chopped oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix until well combined.

5. Stuff the Bell Peppers:

• Spoon the quinoa or couscous mixture into the prepared bell peppers, packing it tightly and filling them to the top. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the greased baking dish.

6. Optional: Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

• In a small saucepan, combine the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.

7. Bake:

• If using tomato sauce, pour it over the stuffed bell peppers in the baking dish. Otherwise, you can skip this step. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.

8. Serve:

• Once the stuffed bell peppers are cooked through, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or crumbled feta cheese, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the Mediterranean flavors.

Tips:

• Feel free to customize the filling with additional ingredients such as diced onions, minced garlic, chickpeas, or spinach for added flavor and texture.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative.
• You can always substitute canned tomato sauce for fresh, but the taste will suffer a little bit.
• Leftover stuffed bell peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving for a quick and satisfying meal.

With their vibrant colors and bold flavors, these Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers are sure to be a hit at your next meal. Whether you’re serving them as a main course or a side dish, they’re a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean right in your own home. Give them a try and delight your taste buds with this savory sensation.