SAUSAGE AND LENTIL STUFFED PEPPERS

Get ready for a culinary fiesta that's as colorful as a rainbow and as hearty as a bear hug. Our Sausage and Lentil Stuffed Peppers are a celebration of flavors and textures, all nestled inside vibrant bell peppers. This dish is like a party in your mouth, with sausage, lentils, rice, and a delightful assortment of ingredients that come together to create a symphony of tastes. So, put on your apron, because the pepper party is about to begin!

SAUSAGE AND LENTIL STUFFED PEPPERS

Ingredients:

• 4 red, yellow, or orange bell peppers
• 2 cups cooked brown lentils
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic – minced
• 1 lb. chicken sausage – casing removed
• 1 ¼ cups 2% milk mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cups dried cranberries
• ¼ cup dried apricots – chopped
• 3 tablespoons chopped walnuts
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons chopped basil
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley

Nutritional Information:

Serving Size: 1
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving

• Calories: 688
• Total Fat: 25.2g (38% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 11.4g (57%)
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 584mg (24%)
• Total Carbohydrate: 61g (20%)
• Dietary Fiber: 11.8g (47%)
• Sugars: 14.5g
• Protein: 54.7g

Instructions:

Step 1: Pepper Prelude

Begin our pepper party by cutting the bell peppers in half and gently cleaning out the interior. Then, place these colorful vessels in a pot of water with a teaspoon of salt. Bring the water to a cheerful boil, and let the peppers dance in it for 2 minutes. Take the pot off the heat and let the peppers soak in the steamy ambiance for 5 minutes with the lid on. Finally, drain them and place them lovingly in a baking dish, ready for their stuffing adventure.

Step 2: Sausage Sauciness

In a skillet, sauté the onions and garlic for about 5 minutes until they become tender and aromatic. Add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and let it sizzle for another 2 minutes, infusing the onions with a hint of sweet tanginess. Place this delightful mixture in a spacious bowl.

Step 3: Pepper Party Mix

Now, it's time to assemble the pepper party mix. Add the cooked brown rice, lentils, cranberries, chopped apricots, and walnuts to the bowl with the sautéed onions and garlic. But wait, there's more! Cook the chicken sausage until it's perfectly browned, then join the pepper party in the bowl.

Step 4: Flavor Frenzy

Give the bowl a good mix, and then add 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, chopped basil, parsley (or cilantro, if you prefer), and 1 cup of the tantalizing mozzarella cheese. Don't forget to season with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper, because this is where the flavor frenzy truly begins!

Step 5: Bake Bash

Preheat your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Now, it's time to stuff the bell peppers with this flavor-packed mixture and sprinkle them with the remaining mozzarella cheese for an extra burst of gooey goodness. Cover them up like guests of honor at a grand party and bake them for 20 minutes. Then, remove the covers and let them bake uncovered for another glorious 10 minutes.

Notes:
Here's a little secret to make your pepper party prep a breeze: the peppers can be easily prepared a day ahead and heated before serving, allowing you to enjoy the festivities with ease.