Vibrant Vegan Stuffed Peppers: Colorful & Flavorful Recipe

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers 🌶️

Overview:

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers is a delightful recipe that’s perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress with a colorful and flavorful dish! Bursting with vibrant colors and rich flavors, these stuffed bell peppers are a true crowd-pleaser. They’re not just visually appealing; they’re also incredibly satisfying and easy to make. Plus, they’re vegan-friendly and low in fat, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Paired with a light salad and your favorite grain, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (based on 4 reviews)

Ingredients:

2 bell peppers
4 cups boiling water
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red onion
5 garlic cloves
1 cup rice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons white wine
4 cups tomato sauce
1 cup Italian stewed tomatoes
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Prepare Peppers: Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them in a pot of boiling water for five minutes to soften slightly.
Cool Peppers: After boiling, immediately transfer the peppers to a bowl of cold water to halt the cooking process. Set them aside for later use.
Prepare Filling: In a skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
Cook Soy Product: Add the Gimmie Lean (or any other soy product of your choice) to the skillet, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
Add Rice and Spices: Stir in the rice, dried thyme, and fresh basil leaves, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine, stirring well to deglaze the bottom of the skillet. Allow it to simmer for 5 more minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
Prepare Sauce: While the filling is cooking, combine the tomato sauce, Italian stewed tomatoes, bay leaf, and chopped basil leaves in a separate pot. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, until heated through and fragrant.
Stuff Peppers: Once the filling and sauce are ready, it’s time to stuff the peppers! Get creative with how you fill them, making sure to pack each pepper generously with the rice and soy mixture.
Bake: Arrange the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
Serve: Remove the peppers from the oven and drizzle each one with the warm tomato sauce. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve hot.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 258.7
Fat: 1.6g
Saturated Fat: 0.3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 590.1mg
Carbohydrates: 53.8g
Fiber: 3.9g
Sugar: 8.2g
Protein: 5.7g

Tips and Variations:

Grain Options: Instead of rice, you can use quinoa, couscous, or bulgur for a different texture and flavor profile.
Cheese Topping: For a non-vegan option, sprinkle grated cheese on top of the stuffed peppers before baking for a cheesy finish.
Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling mixture for an extra kick of heat.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and sauce ahead of time and assemble the stuffed peppers just before baking to save time on busy days.
Customize Fillings: Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients such as black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion:

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delightful combination of colorful bell peppers, flavorful rice, and savory sauce that’s sure to please your taste buds. Whether you’re serving them at a potluck, family dinner, or casual weeknight meal, these stuffed peppers are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a little flair to their mealtime repertoire. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the satisfaction of creating a beautiful and delicious dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds! 🌶️🍽️