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### Instructions
#### Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will help roast the peppers to perfection, softening them while keeping them firm enough to hold the filling.
2. **Prepare the Peppers**: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. You can save the tops for garnish or chop them up to add to the filling if you like. Place the cleaned peppers upright in a baking dish.
#### Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
1. **Cook the Onion and Zucchini**: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the diced zucchini and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until both vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
2. **Add the Tomatoes and Garlic**: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices. Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil, stirring to combine.
#### Step 3: Mix the Filling
1. **Combine the Filling Ingredients**: Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked quinoa or rice, crumbled feta cheese, and black olives (if using). Mix everything together until well-combined.
2. **Adjust Seasoning**: Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
#### Step 4: Stuff the Peppers
1. **Stuff the Peppers**: Spoon the vegetable and feta mixture into each bell pepper, packing it gently to ensure the peppers are filled evenly. You should have enough filling for all four peppers, but if you have leftover filling, it can be served on the side or used as a topping for another dish.
2. **Cover with Foil**: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help the peppers cook evenly without drying out.
#### Step 5: Bake the Stuffed Peppers
1. **Bake**: Place the stuffed bell peppers in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The peppers should be tender and slightly charred at the edges. If you want the top to be extra crispy and golden, you can remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
#### Step 6: Serve and Garnish
1. **Garnish**: Once the peppers are cooked through, remove them from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness.
2. **Serve**: Serve the stuffed bell peppers warm. They pair wonderfully with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
### Tips for Success
– **Customize the Filling**: You can swap out the quinoa or rice for other grains like couscous, farro, or bulgur. These grains will give the stuffing a different texture and flavor profile while maintaining the dish’s heartiness.
– **Make It Vegan**: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can replace the feta cheese with crumbled tofu or a dairy-free cheese alternative. This will give you a similar texture and savory flavor without the dairy.
– **Add Protein**: If you’d like to add some protein to the dish, you can mix in cooked chicken, ground turkey, or even beans. These additions will make the dish more filling and suitable for meat lovers.
– **Extra Vegetables**: Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as spinach, mushrooms, or eggplant, for even more variety and nutrition.
– **Freezer-Friendly**: Stuffed peppers can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer. Simply stuff the peppers, cover them with foil, and freeze before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake from frozen at 375°F for 40-50 minutes.
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– **Healthy and Nutritious**: These stuffed bell peppers are packed with fresh vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich feta cheese, making them a balanced and nutrient-dense meal. They’re a great way to increase your veggie intake while enjoying a flavorful, satisfying dish.
– **Versatile**: This recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can swap in your favorite vegetables or grains, add meat or keep it vegetarian, and even adjust the seasoning to suit your tastes.
– **Colorful and Delicious**: The combination of colorful bell peppers, vibrant vegetables, and the creamy feta cheese creates a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. It’s a meal that looks as good as it tastes!
– **Easy to Make**: While this dish may look impressive, it’s actually quite simple to make. With just a few easy steps, you can create a flavorful, wholesome meal that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
### Conclusion
**Stuffed Bell Peppers with Feta and Vegetables** is the perfect recipe for anyone seeking a healthy, flavorful meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With tender bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of quinoa, feta, and fresh vegetables, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner, meal prep option, or even a great dish to serve at a gathering. Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, these stuffed peppers are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!
