Lentil Stuffed Peppers

kidney friendly recipes

Ingredients

  • 4 medium bell peppers
  • 1 medium sweet onion
  • 1 medium yellow summer squash
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 15 ounces canned lentils
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 4 large cloves garlic
  • 8 ounces no salt added tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup unsalted vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 400° F. Cut peppers in half vertically and remove ribs and seeds. Dice the onion and squash. Drain and rinse lentils and set aside.
  2. Place cut peppers on a baking sheet, face down. Brush with 2 tablespoons olive oil and roast in oven for 15 minutes.
  3. Place large pan over medium-high heat and drizzle in 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  4. Add onion, squash, and dried herbs; sauté 5 to 7 minutes until soft.
  5. While onion and squash soften, chop garlic and add to pan; sauté an additional 2 minutes.
  6. Add tomato sauce, broth, and half the fresh basil leaves. Stir until basil wilts and all ingredients are incorporated.
  7. Add lentils and cooked rice and stir to combine.
  8. Remove peppers from the oven, flip them and fill 1/2 cup lentil mixture into each pepper. Top each pepper half with 1 tablespoon feta cheese. Return to oven to bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven and garnish with remaining basil leaves.

Helpful hints

  • Lentil filling works great in lettuce wraps for an easy lunch.
  • Feel free to play with the fresh herbs. Parsley and oregano work well in this recipe