Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers with Rice and Herbs

This is a recipe for Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers with Rice and Herbs. It's a simple but flavorful dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal. The peppers are stuffed with a mixture of cooked brown rice, sautéed onions, tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs. The peppers are then baked in the oven until they are tender and the rice is cooked through.

The origins of stuffed peppers are murky, but they are thought to have originated in the Mediterranean region. Stuffed peppers have been found in cookbooks dating back to the 16th century. The dish was likely brought to the Americas by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Stuffed peppers became a popular dish in the United States in the 19th century. Today, stuffed peppers are a popular dish all over the world.

Prep time: 20 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Bell peppers (any color)
• Brown rice
• Onion
• Tomatoes
• Garlic
• Fresh herbs (such as basil, oregano, thyme)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
3. Cook the brown rice according to the package directions.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
5. Add the onion and cook until softened.
6. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
7. Stir in the tomatoes, herbs, salt, and pepper.
8. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened.
9. Stir in the cooked rice.
10. Stuff the bell pepper halves with the rice mixture.
11. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the rice is cooked through.

Why It Works

• The combination of sweet peppers, savory rice, and aromatic herbs creates a delicious and flavorful dish.
• The peppers provide a natural vessel for the rice mixture, making them easy to eat.
• Baking the stuffed peppers in the oven allows the flavors to meld and the peppers to become tender.