Creative Stuffed Peppers

Looking for a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that can cater to various tastes and dietary preferences? These customizable stuffed peppers are the perfect solution! Packed with a mix of grains, proteins, veggies, and cheese, they offer endless possibilities to suit your culinary creativity.

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Ingredients:

Bell Peppers:

• 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed

Filling Options:

• 240ml (1 cup) cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous

Protein Options:

• 450g ground beef, turkey, chicken, or 1 can (400g) beans (black, kidney, or chickpeas) (1 lb)

Vegetable Options:

• 240ml (1 cup) diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 240ml (1 cup) corn (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 240ml (1 cup) spinach, chopped

Cheese Options:

• 240ml (1 cup) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, feta, or vegan cheese)

Seasoning Options:

• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Cook Protein: In a skillet over medium heat, cook your chosen protein until browned. Season with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked grain, protein, diced tomatoes, corn, onion, and spinach. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Stuff Peppers: Fill each bell pepper with the mixture and top with your choice of shredded cheese.
5. Bake: Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.

Creative Tips:

• Flavor Variations: Add a Mediterranean twist by incorporating olives, feta cheese, and oregano, or go for a Mexican vibe with black beans, jalapeños, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
• Grain Swaps: Try using farro, barley, or bulgur for a different texture and nutritional profile.
• Protein Combinations: Mix and match proteins, like adding beans to ground turkey, for a heartier filling.
• Vegetable Additions: Experiment with different vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots to add more variety and nutrition.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• Presentation: Use a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for a vibrant, visually appealing dish.

Enjoy your culinary adventure with these customizable stuffed peppers, perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests!