Stuffed Peppers with Lentils Recipe

Stuffed bell peppers are a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of bell peppers with a hearty, savory filling. When paired with lentils, the result is a satisfying and protein-rich meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe for stuffed peppers with lentils is ideal for a cozy family dinner or when you want to impress your guests with a colorful, wholesome dish.

Ingredients:

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Stuffed Peppers:

• 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• 1 cup of dried lentils (brown or green)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) of diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 can (400g) of tomato sauce
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare the Lentils

Start by preparing the lentils. Rinse 1 cup of dried lentils under cold water, then place them in a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups of water to the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the lentils simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water and set aside.

2. Prepare the Bell Peppers

While the lentils are cooking, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes from the inside. Set the peppers aside and keep the tops, as they will be used later in the recipe.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and diced carrots, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, oregano, cumin, and paprika. Let the mixture cook for another 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Combine Lentils and Vegetable Mix

Once the vegetable mixture is ready, fold in the cooked lentils. Stir well to combine the lentils with the vegetables and spices. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to cook for another 5 minutes, letting the ingredients come together into a cohesive stuffing for the peppers.

5. Stuff the Bell Peppers

Now it’s time to stuff the peppers. Spoon the lentil mixture into the prepared bell peppers, filling them generously but leaving a little space at the top. Place the filled peppers in a baking dish, keeping them upright.

6. Prepare the Tomato Sauce

In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden. Pour in the tomato sauce, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, thickening slightly.

7. Bake the Peppers

Pour the prepared tomato sauce into the baking dish around the stuffed peppers. This will help keep the peppers moist and add extra flavor during baking. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the peppers to develop a golden, slightly roasted finish.

8. Serve and Garnish

Once the peppers are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the stuffed peppers with the tomato sauce spooned over the top. You can also serve them with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Peppers

• Choosing the Bell Peppers: While you can use any color of bell pepper, red and yellow peppers tend to be sweeter, while green peppers have a slightly more bitter taste. A mix of colors will not only enhance the presentation but also create a variety of flavors on your plate.

• Lentil Options: Brown or green lentils are great for this recipe because they hold their shape well after cooking. Avoid using red lentils, as they tend to become mushy and won’t provide the same texture.

• Adding Extra Flavor: If you want to add more depth to the flavor, you can include additional spices like smoked paprika, coriander, or even a pinch of cinnamon for a unique twist.

• Make it Ahead: These stuffed peppers can easily be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the peppers up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake them in the oven as directed.

• Serving Suggestions: These stuffed peppers are satisfying on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a light salad or a side of roasted vegetables. You could even serve them with a dollop of plain yogurt for extra creaminess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed bell peppers with lentils are not only delicious but incredibly versatile. The lentils provide a hearty base that’s full of texture, and the sweet bell peppers complement the savory filling perfectly. This dish is also a fantastic way to use pantry staples like lentils and canned tomatoes, making it a convenient choice when you’re looking for a wholesome meal that doesn’t require a lot of fancy ingredients.

The best part? These peppers look beautiful on the plate, making them a great option for a special meal or simply to add a pop of color to your dinner table. Whether you're serving a group or preparing a weeknight dinner, these stuffed peppers are sure to become a favorite.

Enjoy your meal!