Comfort food not only nourishes the body but also provides the soul with a sense of satisfaction and nostalgia. Bell are versatile vegetables that can be with different ingredients, making them an excellent choice for a comforting meal. Roasting them adds depth of flavor and tenderizes them, making them perfect for filling with savory ingredients. To elevate the dish further, make it a , topping the stuffed peppers with a creamy, cheesy crust. Here’s a recipe for roasted stuffed and gratin bell peppers that will leave you feeling cozy and satisfied.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 cup cooked lentils
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1/4 cup tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp dried thyme
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or parmesan)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 tbsp flour
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers, remove the seeds and membranes, and set them aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
4. Add the chopped carrot and celery and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
5. Add the tomato paste, dried herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add the cooked quinoa and lentils to the skillet and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
7. Stuff the bell peppers with the quinoa-lentil mixture and place them in a baking dish.
8. In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat and whisk in 2 tbsp flour. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes brown.
9. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
10. Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and cook for another minute until melted.
11. Pour the cheese sauce over the stuffed bell peppers.
12. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until the peppers are tender.
13. Remove the foil and broil the peppers for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese crust is golden brown.
14. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
This dish is a perfect comfort food that can be adjusted to your taste preferences. You can use any type of grain, legume, or vegetable as filling, depending on what you have on hand. Also, the cheese sauce can be made with any type of cheese, or you can skip it altogether for a lighter dish. Lastly, you can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a burst of flavor and color.
Roasted stuffed and gratin bell peppers are a and satisfying meal that will warm your heart and soul. They are perfect for a family dinner, a romantic date night, or a meal prep option for busy weekdays. Make a batch today and let the flavors and aromas fill your kitchen with joy.