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Stuffed Bell Peppers with Spiced Lentils

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Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a savory blend of spiced lentils, grains, and herbs, then baked to tender perfection—a hearty and wholesome vegan main dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops removed and seeds discarded
  • 3/4 cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked grain (rice, quinoa, or bulgur)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste or 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts or walnuts for topping

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until soft, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add lentils, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat.
  3. Add broth (about 1.5 cups), bring to a simmer, and cook 15–20 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain excess liquid if needed.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Stir cooked grains, tomato paste or diced tomatoes, chopped herbs, and optional red pepper flakes into lentils. Adjust seasoning.
  5. Arrange bell peppers upright in a baking dish. Fill each pepper to the top with lentil mixture.
  6. Pour a little water or broth into the dish bottom to help steam. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  7. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until peppers are tender and lightly browned on top.
  8. Garnish with additional herbs and toasted nuts before serving.

Notes

  • Use pre-cooked grains to ensure even cooking.
  • Add tempeh, tofu, or chickpeas for extra protein.
  • Make it gluten-free by using quinoa or rice.
  • Drizzle with tahini or plant-based yogurt before serving for extra richness.
  • Leftovers freeze well—wrap individually for easy reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, vegan stuffed peppers, lentil stuffing, plant-based main dish, healthy vegan dinner, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://yumcove.com/stuffed-bell-peppers-with-spiced-lentils/