Stuffed Peppers - Vegan

Delicious Vegan Stuffed Peppers Recipe: A Winter Feast from Your Pantry

Welcome to the world of flavors and healthy dishes! Today, I will present you with a simple yet flavorful recipe: stuffed peppers. This recipe is perfect for the cold winter days when the desire for comfort and warmth is stronger than ever. With accessible ingredients and a delicious combination, this main dish will bring a touch of joy to every meal.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Your basic ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers (frozen)
- 150 g rice
- 3 medium onions
- 1 carrot
- 100 g dill (frozen)
- 2-3 green onions
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 400 ml tomato juice
- 4 tomatoes (frozen)
- 1 potato
- Oil for sautéing
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley

The story of stuffed peppers
Stuffed peppers are a traditional dish, beloved in many cultures, with deep roots in folk gastronomy. This recipe has adapted over time, using ingredients available in each season. Today, we will explore a vegan version that retains all the richness of flavor, even without meat.

Step by step to a perfect result:

1. Thawing the ingredients: Start by removing the peppers and tomatoes from the freezer. Let them thaw at room temperature so they are easier to fill.

2. Preparing the vegetables: Peel the carrot and grate it finely. Then, peel the onion and chop it finely, including the green onions. These vegetables will add a special flavor to the mixture.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: Heat the oil in a deep pan. Add the onion and carrot, sautéing over medium heat until they become translucent. About 5-7 minutes is sufficient. Adding the dill at this step will enhance the aroma of the dish.

4. Adding the rice: Once the vegetables are sautéed, add the rice and mix well. Let it fry for 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.

5. Cooking the mixture: Pour a cup of water over the vegetable and rice mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, until the rice is almost cooked but not fully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Filling the peppers: Once the mixture is ready, take the thawed peppers and fill them with the rice and vegetable mixture. Make sure to fill them well, but without overstuffing.

7. Preparing for the oven: Slice the potato thinly, which will act as a lid for the peppers. Place the potato slices on top of each pepper. This will help retain moisture during baking.

8. Baking in the oven: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Pour the tomato juice over them, ensuring each pepper is well covered. If the tomato juice is less, you can add a bit of water to create a more generous sauce. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30-40 minutes.

9. Finishing the dish: About 10 minutes before removing the dish from the oven, add the chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness.

Serving suggestion
Serve the stuffed peppers warm, alongside a fresh salad or with a slice of homemade bread. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top will add a touch of elegance and flavor.

Recipe variations
If you want to experiment, you can add other vegetables to the filling, such as zucchini or mushrooms. You can also replace the rice with quinoa or bulgur for an even healthier option.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use fresh peppers instead of frozen ones? Of course! Fresh peppers are excellent, but make sure they are well-ripened and fill them immediately after preparation.
- What can I use instead of rice? Any whole grains, such as quinoa or couscous, can be a delicious alternative.
- How can I enhance the tomato sauce? You can add spices like basil, oregano, or even a bit of chili for a more intense flavor.

Nutritional benefits
This recipe is rich in fiber due to the vegetables and rice, while the dill and parsley add essential vitamins and antioxidants. It is a filling dish, ideal for fasting or for those looking to reduce meat consumption.

Estimated calories: 250 kcal per serving

Now it's your turn to put your culinary skills into practice! With this vegan stuffed pepper recipe, you'll bring a touch of warmth to your heart and those you love. Enjoy your meal!