As much as I love stuffed bell peppers, I find them a bit cumbersome to eat. They look impressive, standing tall, filled with spiced beef and covered in melted cheese. But to eat it you must destroy it and gut the pepper of its beefy filling. So why not skip a couple steps and turn it into a one pot meal? There’s a little extra chopping involved, but in doing so it cuts out some steps later on, and there’s nothing wrong with honing your knife skills. This is a vegetarian version of a recipe I’d usually use beef for, but its just as hearty and flavourful. And yes, there is ketchup in this. But there’s a good reason for it: ketchup is a wicked source of umami, which is something that can be lacking in vegetarian or vegan dishes. Ketchup gets its sweetness from sugar and corn syrup, tang from vinegar, and umami from amino acids that are created from being cooked down and reduced. By using a small amount you bring a sweet and savoury tang to the dish without an overwhelming flavour of tomato or ketchup. Top this with parsley, green onion, cheese, or any combination of the three if you’re so inclined. It will only add ot an already simple great tasting meal.
Vegetarian Unstuffed Bell Peppers
Feeds: 4 People
Approx Time: 25 mins
Ingredients
3 Bell Peppers
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 medium Onion, small diced
1 can cooked Lentils
1 ½ cups Rice
3 ribs Kale, rough chopped
1 cup Vegetable Stock
1 14 oz can Canned Diced Tomatoes with juices
2 tbsp Ketchup
1 tsp Oregano
½ tsp Thyme
½ tsp Chili Flakes
1 tbsp Olive oil
Salt + Pepper to taste
Instructions
Shopping List
Organic Garlic | Taproot Farms
Local & Organic Yellow Onions | Taproot Farms
Organic Vegetable Broth | Imagine Foods
Organic Diced Tomatoes | Eat Wholesome
Thyme, Oregano, Chili Flakes | Simply Organic