Healthy Recipes · High Protein

Mediterranean Lentil, Quinoa & Walnut Stuffed Peppers

Serves 4 · About 1 hour

Roasted bell peppers filled with lentils, quinoa, mushrooms, spinach and walnuts for a hearty, colorful plant-based meal.

Red and yellow bell peppers filled with lentils, quinoa, mushrooms, spinach and walnuts

Stuffed Peppers

  • 4 large red, yellow or orange bell peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
  • 3 cups cooked green or brown lentils, drained well
  • 1½ cups cooked quinoa
  • 12 ounces cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 5 ounces baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup no-salt-added diced tomatoes, drained
  • ½ cup unsalted walnuts, chopped
  • ½ cup hemp hearts
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

Mediterranean Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley, divided

Directions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the pepper halves cut-side up in a lightly oiled 9 × 13-inch baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes while preparing the filling.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion for 4–5 minutes, until softened. Add the mushrooms and cook for 7–9 minutes, until their moisture has evaporated and the edges begin to brown.
  3. Add the garlic, oregano, paprika and cumin. Stir for 30 seconds, then fold in the spinach and cook just until wilted.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the lentils, quinoa, tomatoes, walnuts, hemp hearts, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper and half the parsley.
  5. Pack the filling generously into the softened pepper halves. Add ¼ cup water to the bottom of the baking dish and cover loosely with foil.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for 8–10 minutes more, until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot. Finish with the remaining parsley.
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A friendly note: These recipes are offered for general wellness inspiration. Individual nutrition needs and food restrictions vary; ask your healthcare professional for personalized guidance.