Apple and Feta Baked Peppers

🍏🧀🌶️ Apple and Feta Baked Peppers 🍏🧀🌶️

What is it?
Apple and Feta Baked Peppers is a delightful and colorful dish that combines the sweetness of apples, the creaminess of feta cheese, and the mild heat of bell peppers. It’s a fusion of flavors and textures that makes for a fantastic appetizer or side dish.

History:
The exact origins of this dish are unclear, but it likely evolved as a creative way to use bell peppers, apples, and feta cheese in Mediterranean or Mediterranean-inspired cuisines. The combination of these ingredients offers a balance of sweet, savory, and creamy elements that can be traced back to the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean region.

Components:

• Bell Peppers: Choose bright and firm bell peppers in various colors like red, yellow, or green for visual appeal.
• Apples: Sweet and crisp apples, such as Gala or Honeycrisp, work well. They provide a pleasant contrast to the peppers.
• Feta Cheese: Feta cheese adds a salty and creamy element to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for drizzling and roasting.
• Herbs and Spices: You can use a variety of herbs and spices like thyme, oregano, black pepper, and sea salt for seasoning.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Peppers:

   • Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
   • Slice the bottoms slightly to create a stable base for the peppers to stand upright.

3. Prepare the Filling:

   • Dice the apples into small pieces.
   • Crumble the feta cheese.
   • In a bowl, mix the diced apples and crumbled feta cheese. Add a pinch of black pepper and a dash of olive oil. Toss gently to combine.

4. Stuff the Peppers:

   • Stuff each pepper with the apple and feta mixture, pressing it down gently.

5. Arrange in a Baking Dish:

   • Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
   • Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the peppers.

6. Bake:

   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.

7. Serve:

   • Once done, remove the dish from the oven.
   • Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano.
   • Serve the Apple and Feta Baked Peppers hot as a side dish or appetizer.

Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Apple and Feta Baked Peppers is approximately 40-45 minutes, including preparation and baking time. It’s a relatively quick and easy dish to make, making it a great choice for a flavorful and visually appealing addition to your meal! 🍽️ Enjoy!

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Apple and Feta Baked Peppers:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):

• Calories: 180-220 kcal
• Total Fat: 8-10 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 4-5 grams
• Cholesterol: 15-20 mg
• Sodium: 300-400 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 4-5 grams
  • Sugars: 12-15 grams
• Protein: 6-8 grams
• Vitamin C: 150-200% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin A: 20-30% DV
• Calcium: 15-20% DV
• Iron: 6-8% DV

Health Information:

• Low in Calories: Apple and Feta Baked Peppers are relatively low in calories, making them a good choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake.

• Good Source of Fiber: This dish is a decent source of dietary fiber, thanks to the bell peppers and apples. Fiber is essential for digestive health and can help you feel fuller for longer.

• Vitamin C: Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system and skin. A single serving of this dish can provide a significant portion of your daily vitamin C needs.

• Vitamin A: The colorful bell peppers contribute to the vitamin A content, which is beneficial for eye health and overall well-being.

• Calcium: Feta cheese contains calcium, which is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

• Protein: While not extremely high in protein, this dish does provide a moderate amount, which can be beneficial for muscle repair and overall satiety.

• Moderate Sodium: The sodium content is moderate, but you can reduce it further by adjusting the amount of salt and cheese used in the recipe.

• Healthy Ingredients: Apples are rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber, while feta cheese, although salty, provides calcium and protein. Bell peppers are low in calories and packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

Keep in mind that the specific nutritional values may vary based on the size of the peppers, the type of apples and cheese used, and the quantity of olive oil added during preparation. This dish can be a nutritious addition to your diet, particularly when balanced with other healthy foods.