Stuffed Bell Peppers with Red Lentils – Healthy and Delicious!
This vibrant dish features sweet bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of red lentils, spices, and fresh herbs. It’s a nutritious and vegan option that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- 4 bell peppers (red or yellow)
- 1 cup red lentils (well washed)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 tsp cumin (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Start by preparing the lentils. Rinse 1 cup of red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Cut the 4 bell peppers lengthwise and remove the seeds. Stand them upright in a baking dish while you prepare the filling, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the chopped garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add 2 tsp of paprika, 1 tsp of cumin (optional), 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/4 tsp of black pepper. Stir well and let the spices toast for 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Now add the washed lentils and 1 cup of vegetable broth to the pan. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the lentils are soft.
- Stir in 2 tbsp of tomato paste and mix thoroughly. Let the filling simmer for another 5 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency. Taste the filling and adjust the spices as needed.
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Fill the prepared bell peppers with the lentil mixture, filling them to the top but being careful not to overfill.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the stuffed peppers for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the peppers are soft and lightly browned.
- Garnish the stuffed peppers with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Avoid overcooking the lentils, as they can become mushy. Use a non-stick pan to prevent the onion and garlic from burning. Feel free to experiment with spices by adding others like curry or chili for a spicier flavor.