Lentil Quinoa Stuffed Peppers Food

LENTIL STUFFED PEPPERS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Zest enough of the lemon to measure 1 teaspoon; cut the lemon in half and reserve.
• Add the olive oil to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the lemon zest, garlic, oregano and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring to combine, for a little bit for the garlic to toast. Add the rice and stir until the rice is coated and slightly toasted, about 30 seconds. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook until the rice is fluffy and all the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside, covered, until ready to use.
• Slice the top 1/2 inch off of the bell peppers and hollow them out by removing the ribs and seeds. Place them standing cut-side up in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. (Discard the tops or save for another use.)
• Add the lentils, tomatoes, parsley, rice, 1 cup of the feta, the juice of one of the lemon halves, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper to taste in large bowl. Toss to combine. Adjust the seasoning.
• Scoop the rice and lentil mixture into the peppers. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup feta over the top. Sprinkle with some more black pepper. Bake until the feta is starting to brown and the peppers have softened, 30 to 35 minutes. Drizzle with a little more oil, sprinkle with flaky salt and top with a squeeze of the remaining lemon half. Serve immediately.

QUINOA AND VEGETABLE STUFFED PEPPERS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Bring the quinoa and stock to a boil. Cover and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the grain looks translucent, 12 to 15 minutes. Then fluff with a fork. You will have about 4 cups of cooked grain.
• Drizzle the bell pepper halves with EVOO and season both sides with salt and pepper. Roast cut-side down until the skins begin to char and the peppers are just tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool to room temp, then arrange in a baking dish cut-side up.
• Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons EVOO, 3 turns of the pan, over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, eggplant, zucchini, onions and chiles, and season with salt and pepper. Cook partially covered to tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Add the herbs and tomatoes, and combine with the quinoa.
• Fill the pepper halves with the quinoa and vegetable stuffing and drizzle with EVOO. Cool and chill for a make-ahead meal. To serve, roast in a 375 degree F oven until the peppers are hot through. Serve the pepper halves topped with lots of cheese crumbles.

LENTIL-QUINOA-STUFFED PEPPERS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Cut peppers in half, lengthwise. Clean out seeds and ribs and set aside.
• In a large bowl, stir together the lentils, quinoa, garlic, dill, cumin, salt and pepper.
• Fill each pepper about halfway with the lentil mixture. Arrange peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes. Top with salsa, avocado or herbs.