Lentil and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers

Lentil and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers are a vibrant and nutritious dish packed with wholesome ingredients. These colorful peppers are filled with a savory lentil and vegetable mixture, making them a satisfying and healthy American dinner option.

Lentil and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers
45 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
American
350 kcal

Ingredients

  • Bell peppers - 2 large (any color)
  • Green lentils - 100 grams (1/2 cup)
  • Vegetable broth - 250 ml (1 cup)
  • Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
  • Onion - 1 medium, diced
  • Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
  • Carrot - 1 medium, diced
  • Celery - 1 stalk, diced
  • Tomato - 1 medium, diced
  • Spinach - 50 grams, chopped (about 2 cups fresh)
  • Cumin - 1 teaspoon
  • Paprika - 1 teaspoon
  • Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
  • Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated (optional for topping)
  • Fresh parsley - for garnish

Steps

  1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. Rinse the lentils under cold water and place them in a saucepan with the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until tender. Drain any excess liquid.
  3. While the lentils are cooking, prepare the bell peppers by cutting the tops off and removing the seeds. Place them upright in a baking dish.
  4. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  5. Stir in the diced tomato, cooked lentils, chopped spinach, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach wilts.
  6. Stuff each bell pepper generously with the lentil and vegetable mixture, pressing down slightly to pack it in.
  7. If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
  8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the tops are slightly golden.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Carbs: 55 g
  • Fiber: 15 g
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

  • Rich in plant-based protein from lentils, supporting muscle health.
  • High in fiber, promoting digestive health and helping to maintain a healthy weight.

Tags

AmericanHealthyDinner