Vegetarian Unstuffed Bell Peppers

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

1. Put large pot on medium heat and add olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped bell peppers, chili flakes, oregano, and thyme. Cook for 5-6 mins.
2. Add uncooked rice, lentils, diced tomatoes with juices, ketchup, chopped kale, and stock. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine, then turn heat up to medium high and bring to a boil.
3. Once boiling, turn heat down to low, cover the pot, and let simmer for 18 minutes.
4. Take off heat and let stand for 5 mins, then portion and serve.

Shopping List

Parsley

Mixed Rice | Ludenburg

Green Bell Peppers

Red Bell Peppers

Organic Garlic | Taproot Farms

Local & Organic Yellow Onions | Taproot Farms

Green Lentils | Eat Wholesome 

Organic Kale 

Organic Vegetable Broth | Imagine Foods

Organic Diced Tomatoes | Eat Wholesome

Organic Ketchup | Savor

Thyme, Oregano, Chili Flakes | Simply Organic

Olive Oil | Terra