Stuffed Peppers for Lent

Delicious Vegan Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 10 stuffed peppers

Stuffed peppers are a traditional dish loved by many, with a history spanning multiple cultures, each having its own variation. Today, I will teach you how to prepare a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make vegan version. This vegan stuffed pepper recipe is perfect for days when you want to enjoy a tasty dish without meat, but full of nutrients and flavor.

Necessary ingredients:

- 10 green bell peppers (choose firm and meaty peppers for better taste)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill (for a fresh and aromatic flavor)
- 1 cup of rice (preferably long-grain rice for a fluffier texture)
- 1 liter of tomato paste (you can also use crushed tomatoes for a more natural option)
- 10 champignon mushrooms (these add an umami note to the dish)
- 2 carrots (for added sweetness and color)
- 1 onion (for a savory base flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons of sunflower oil (for sautéing the ingredients)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the peppers:
Start by washing the peppers well under cold running water. Choose uniform peppers without spots to ensure a pleasant appearance of the final dish. Cut off the top, including the stem, to create a lid and carefully remove the seeds and inner parts with a spoon. These will be kept for the filling.

2. Preparing the filling:
In a pan, add 1-2 tablespoons of sunflower oil and place it over medium heat. Chop the onion finely and sauté it until it becomes translucent, then add the diced mushrooms. Let them sauté until they release their juices and become slightly browned. Add the peeled and diced carrots, continuing to sauté the mixture.

3. Mixing the ingredients:
Once the vegetables are sautéed, add the rice, 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste, chopped dill, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients well so that the rice absorbs the flavors. Let the mixture cook for a few minutes, stirring continuously, then remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

4. Filling the peppers:
Once the filling has cooled, fill each pepper with the mixture obtained, being careful not to overstuff them. Put the lid back on each pepper, then place them in a large pot.

5. Cooking the peppers:
Add the remaining tomato paste to the pot, filling with water until the peppers are almost covered. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer on low, covered, for about 30 minutes. Check occasionally to ensure that the liquid doesn't reduce too much.

6. Serving:
Once the peppers are cooked, carefully remove them from the pot and serve them warm, drizzled with the tomato sauce from the pot. These vegan stuffed peppers can be accompanied by a fresh green salad or warm polenta for a complete lunch or dinner.

Practical tips:

- Choosing the peppers: Opt for medium-sized bell peppers that can be easily stuffed and cook evenly.
- Vegan option: This recipe is already vegan, but to add extra protein, you can include cooked lentils in the filling.
- Enriching the filling: You can also add chopped green or black olives for a different taste and texture.
- Cooling the filling: Let the filling cool slightly before stuffing the peppers to avoid premature cooking.

Nutritional benefits:

These vegan stuffed peppers are not only delicious but also very healthy. The rice provides complex carbohydrates, while the mushrooms and carrots are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, and the dill adds a boost of antioxidants. This recipe is low in calories, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use brown rice? Yes, brown rice is a healthy alternative, but the cooking time will be longer.
- Can the stuffed peppers be frozen? Yes, the stuffed peppers can be frozen before cooking. Make sure to package them well to avoid freezer burn.
- What can I serve with stuffed peppers? These delicious peppers pair perfectly with a summer salad or a serving of polenta.

I hope this vegan stuffed pepper recipe inspires you to explore new flavors in the kitchen. Enjoy your meal!