Mediterranean Delight Stuffed Bell Peppers
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these delightful stuffed bell peppers, which make an impressive centerpiece for any meal. Filled with a savory mixture of couscous, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta cheese, these peppers offer a nourishing blend of textures and tastes. Whether served at a casual brunch, a festive lunch, or an elegant dinner party, they can be prepared ahead of time and baked to perfection just before serving. Paired perfectly with pita bread or your favorite Mediterranean flatbread, these stuffed peppers are not only satisfying but also visually captivating, making them an excellent choice for any buffet or family gathering. Allow yourself to unwind as they fill your kitchen with enticing aromas while you enjoy quality time with loved ones.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
large bell peppers
2 (cut in half lengthwise, seeds and membrane removed)
water
2/3 cup (boiled)
butter or margarine
1 tablespoon (added to boiling water)
couscous
1/2 cup (mixed into boiling water)
fresh tomato
3/4 cup (diced)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
kalamata olives
12 (pits removed, chopped)
feta cheese
1/3 cup (crumbled)
fresh mint
1 1/2 tablespoons (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (finely chopped)
hot pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (optional)
salt and pepper
to taste (seasoning)
parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (grated for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a medium saucepan, bring 2/3 cup of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of butter or margarine to the water and stir until melted.
3
Stir in 1/2 cup of couscous, mix well, and cover the pan. Remove from heat and let it sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the liquid. After 5 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the couscous with a fork. Allow it to cool slightly.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled couscous with 3/4 cup of diced fresh tomatoes, 1/2 cup of chopped onion, 12 chopped kalamata olives, 1/3 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1 1/2 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint, 2 finely chopped garlic cloves, and optional hot pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Carefully place the halved and cleaned bell peppers in a baking dish. Generously fill each pepper half with the prepared stuffing mixture.
6
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes until the peppers are tender.
7
After 30 minutes, remove the foil or lid, and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese over the stuffing. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8
If the tops are not golden, you can place the dish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Delight Stuffed Bell Peppers?
It is a dish featuring bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of couscous, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta cheese.
How many bell peppers does this recipe require?
The recipe requires 2 large bell peppers cut in half lengthwise.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains grains, vegetables, and cheese without any meat.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the couscous for the stuffing?
Bring 2/3 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of butter to a boil, stir in 1/2 cup of couscous, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing.
What kind of olives should be used?
The recipe calls for 12 chopped kalamata olives with the pits removed.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use either 1 tablespoon of butter or margarine to prepare the couscous.
What fresh vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes 3/4 cup of diced fresh tomatoes and 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
How much feta cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of crumbled feta cheese for the stuffing mixture.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried mint?
The recipe specifies using 1.5 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
Two finely chopped garlic cloves are used in the stuffing.
Are the stuffed peppers spicy?
They can be if you choose to include the optional 1 teaspoon of hot pepper flakes.
How do I prepare the bell peppers for stuffing?
Cut them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and the membrane.
How long do the peppers bake initially?
Bake the covered peppers for 30 minutes until they are tender.
Do I need to cover the baking dish?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil or a lid for the first 30 minutes of baking.
What is used as a topping for the peppers?
The peppers are topped with 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese.
How long is the second baking stage after adding parmesan?
Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Can I use a broiler for this recipe?
Yes, you can place the dish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the end to brown the tops.
What are some suggested serving pairings?
These peppers pair perfectly with pita bread or Mediterranean flatbread.
Can these stuffed peppers be made ahead of time?
Yes, they can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before you are ready to serve.
What occasions are these peppers good for?
They are suitable for casual brunches, festive lunches, elegant dinner parties, or family gatherings.
Should the couscous be cooled before mixing the stuffing?
Yes, allow the fluffed couscous to cool slightly before combining it with the other ingredients.
How do I fluff the couscous?
After it has sat covered for 5 minutes, use a fork to fluff the grains.
How much tomato is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of diced fresh tomatoes.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 45 minutes plus optional broiling.
How much onion is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
Should I season the mixture?
Yes, season the stuffing mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Are the olives chopped?
Yes, the 12 kalamata olives should be chopped after removing the pits.
What is the texture of the finished peppers?
The peppers should be tender and the cheese topping should be golden and bubbly.
Can I use different colored peppers?
While the recipe says large bell peppers, you can use any variety such as red, yellow, or orange for visual variety.