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Middle Eastern Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

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These Middle Eastern quinoa stuffed peppers are colorful, fragrant, and packed with warm spices, fresh herbs, and tender quinoa. A satisfying vegetarian dish that’s both nourishing and full of bold, aromatic flavor.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (8 halves)
  • Category: Main Dish, Vegetarian, Meal Prep
  • Method: Baking, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

  • 4 bell peppers (any color), halved and seeds removed
  • 1 ½ cups cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Optional: crumbled feta or tahini sauce for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place halved peppers in a baking dish, cut side up.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until soft, about 4–5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic, tomato paste, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Stir in diced tomatoes, quinoa, and chickpeas. Cook for 3–4 minutes until heated through and combined.
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in chopped parsley and lemon juice.
  6. Spoon the quinoa mixture into each pepper half, packing gently.
  7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes until the peppers are tender.
  8. Uncover and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes to lightly brown the tops.
  9. Serve warm, topped with additional herbs, crumbled feta, or tahini sauce if desired.

Notes

  • Add chopped spinach, zucchini, or raisins for variety.
  • Mix in ground lamb or beef for a meaty version.
  • Use cayenne for a spicy kick.
  • To freeze, let cooked peppers cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • For vegan version, omit cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/middle-eastern-quinoa-stuffed-peppers/