Mediterranean Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

A vibrant and healthy dish that brings the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. These stuffed peppers are packed with fluffy quinoa, savory feta, briny olives, and fresh herbs, making for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Yields: 6 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 medium-sized bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peppers:

   • Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
   • Brush the outside of the peppers lightly with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.
   • Pre-bake in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes to soften.

2. Cook the Quinoa:

   • In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.
   • Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until the broth is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.

3. Mix the Filling:

   • In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, parsley, mint, minced garlic, and chickpeas.
   • Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.

4. Stuff and Bake:

   • Carefully fill each pre-baked pepper with the quinoa mixture, packing it lightly.
   • Place the stuffed peppers back into the baking dish.
   • Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.

5. Serve:

   • Let the peppers cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

• For a vegan option, substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative or omit it entirely.
• Feel free to add other Mediterranean ingredients like chopped artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or pine nuts.