Greece on a Plate: Drive Everyone Crazy with These Easy Stuffed Red Peppers with Feta!

Calling all cheese lovers and veggie enthusiasts! This recipe for Stuffed Red Peppers with Feta Cheese is a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Packed with fragrant herbs, juicy tomatoes, and of course, creamy feta, this classic Greek dish is guaranteed to impress your taste buds and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Beyond Souvlaki: Unveiling Greek Cuisine

Greek cuisine goes far beyond just souvlaki! It’s a vibrant tapestry of flavors that celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold Mediterranean spices. Stuffed peppers, also known as Gemista in Greek, are a staple dish enjoyed throughout the country.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Simple and Satisfying: This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals.
• Flavorful and Flexible: The combination of ground meat, rice, herbs, and tangy feta creates a flavor bomb. This recipe is also easily customizable – feel free to experiment with different vegetables and spices.
• Dietary Friendly: This dish can be easily adapted to vegetarian or gluten-free preferences (see variations below).

Gather Your Ingredients:

(Serves 4-6)

• 4 large red bell peppers
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground lamb or beef (or lentils for a vegetarian option)
• 1/2 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or water)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Prep the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the bell peppers, cut off the tops, and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish.
2. Sautéing Symphony: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Spice Up Your Life: Add the ground meat (or lentils) to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
4. The Rice Stuffing: Stir in the rinsed rice, diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, oregano, and half of the chopped parsley and mint. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
5. Stuffed with Flavor: Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese. Carefully spoon the stuffing mixture into the prepared red pepper shells.
6. Baking Beauty: Cover the baking dish with foil (tented slightly to allow some steam to escape) and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
7. Fresh Touch (Optional): Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle with remaining chopped parsley and fresh basil (if using) for a pop of color and freshness.

Variations and Tips:

• Vegetarian Delight: For a vegetarian option, simply omit the ground meat and add an extra cup of cooked lentils to the stuffing mixture.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Use gluten-free brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a gluten-free option.
• Spice it Up (a little more): Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing mixture for a touch of heat.
• Leftovers Love: Stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

OPA!

This delicious recipe for Stuffed Red Peppers with Feta Cheese is a delightful introduction to Greek cuisine. With its simple ingredients and vibrant flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and creamy feta cheese, and get ready to impress your taste buds with a taste of Greece!