Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers

Today on TACKRECIPE, we are diving into the flavors of the Mediterranean with a delicious Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe. This dish is packed with vibrant ingredients like quinoa, feta cheese, olives, and fresh herbs, bringing together a balance of flavors that reflect the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. The combination of tangy feta, hearty grains, and aromatic seasonings makes this dish both satisfying and nutritious. Originating from countries like Greece and Turkey, stuffed bell peppers are a staple in Mediterranean households, offering a healthy and flavorful meal option.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa (or brown rice)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup black olives, chopped
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Prepare the Peppers

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly drizzle them with a little olive oil and place them in a baking dish, ready for filling.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and black olives, allowing them to cook down slightly and release their flavors.

Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the sautéed vegetables. Add the crumbled feta, dried oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle in the lemon juice and mix everything well until the filling is evenly seasoned.

Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the quinoa mixture generously into each bell pepper, pressing down lightly to pack the filling. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the tops. Cover the baking dish with foil to prevent excessive browning.

Bake to Perfection

Place the stuffed peppers in the oven and bake for 25 minutes covered. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the tops are slightly golden and the peppers are tender but still hold their shape.

Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the stuffed peppers rest for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean!

Tips:

Choose the Right Peppers

🟢Opt for firm and evenly shaped bell peppers so they can stand upright in the baking dish. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter and pair well with Mediterranean flavors, while green peppers offer a slightly more bitter contrast.

Pre-cook the Peppers for a Softer Texture

🟢If you prefer softer bell peppers, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before stuffing. This helps them become tender during baking without losing their structure.

Enhance the Flavor with Fresh Herbs

🟢Add fresh basil, dill, or mint to the filling or as a garnish to enhance the Mediterranean aroma. A final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving will elevate the flavors even more.