Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers A Burst of Mediterranean Flavors in Every Bite
Mediterranean cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, and one dish that perfectly captures the essence of this culinary tradition is Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers. Packed with shek yuet hey of vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tangy feta cheese, these stuffed peppers are a delightful combination of flavors that will transport you to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. In this blog post, we'll explore a recipe for Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or couscous
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes from the inside. Rinse the peppers and pat them dry.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa or couscous, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, fresh basil, minced garlic, dried oregano, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Spoon the quinoa or couscous mixture into the hollowed-out bell peppers, packing it tightly.
5. Place the stuffed bell peppers in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each pepper.
6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the peppers in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the tops of the peppers to lightly brown.
8. Once done, remove the stuffed bell peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
9. Serve the Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers warm, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Variation: For a heartier version, you can add cooked ground lamb, chicken, or turkey to the filling mixture.
Conclusion:
Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers are a celebration of the vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients found in Mediterranean cuisine. The combination of tender bell peppers, savory quinoa or couscous, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs create a delightful symphony of flavors in every bite. Whether you serve them as a satisfying main course or a flavorful side dish, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds. Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with this enticing recipe and savor the burst of flavors that will leave you longing for more.
