Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Bonjour, dear food enthusiasts! Today, we embark on a journey to the sunny Mediterranean coast with a healthy yet hearty dish that combines colorful bell peppers with a flavorful mixture of lean ground turkey, fragrant herbs, and vibrant vegetables. These Mediterranean-Inspired Stuffed Bell Peppers are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a celebration of good health. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers
Indulge in the Mediterranean's vibrant flavors with these Stuffed Bell Peppers, a healthy and hearty dish. Lean ground turkey, quinoa, and a blend of fresh vegetables are seasoned to perfection and nestled inside colorful bell peppers. Ready in just 40 minutes, it's a culinary journey worth savoring. Bon appétit!
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers, any color
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 cup quinoa, uncooked
- 1.5 cups vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup olives, pitted and chopped
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- salt and pepper to taste
- olive oil for drizzling
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
Prepare the Quinoa:
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Prepare the Bell Peppers:
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the peppers for about 2-3 minutes, then drain and set them aside.
Brown the Ground Turkey:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add the ground turkey and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Season with dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cooked ground turkey mixture, diced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese (if using), and fresh parsley.
Stuff the Bell Peppers:
- Carefully stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa and turkey mixture.
Bake:
- Place the stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish.
- Drizzle olive oil over the tops.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the peppers are tender.
Serve:
- Serve the Mediterranean-Inspired Stuffed Bell Peppers hot, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by lemon wedges for a refreshing touch.
- Delightful! These Mediterranean-inspired stuffed peppers bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table, offering a delicious and healthy meal in under 40 minutes. Enjoy the blend of vibrant colors and rich flavors that this dish has to offer. Bon appétit!
Notes
- Customizable Fillings: Feel free to get creative with the fillings. You can add ingredients like black olives, artichoke hearts, or pine nuts for extra Mediterranean flair.
- Cheese Topping: If you’re a cheese lover, consider sprinkling some feta or grated Parmesan on top of the peppers during the last few minutes of baking for a delicious cheesy crust.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These stuffed bell peppers can be prepared in advance. Simply stuff the peppers and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes them a convenient option for meal prep.
- Vegan or Vegetarian Options: To make this dish vegan, substitute the ground turkey with plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tofu. For a vegetarian version, you can also use cooked quinoa mixed with sautéed vegetables.
- Serving Suggestions: These stuffed peppers can be served as a complete meal on their own, or you can pair them with a side salad, couscous, or fresh bread for a more substantial dinner.