Healthy Quarantine Recipes | Falafel Stuffed Peppers

Paleo | Dairy-Free | Sugar-Free | Vegetarian | Gluten-Free | Vegan | Grain-Free

Healthy Quarantine Recipes | Falafel Stuffed Peppers

Falafels have always been my go-to lunch choice when I have no time to cook. Not the fried kind, just the lightly baked ones. The issue that I've always had with the package kind or those you get to-go is that they just aren't as flavorful as in a proper Middle Eastern restaurant. Also if you don't have pita bread, you still finish hungry!

That's why I put together this little recipe. These can travel with you to work, school, etc. and have a flavour kick. Most importantly, they are easy to make and filling!

Makes up to 6 servings, depending on how much you stuff the peppers

INGREDIENTS - FILLING

3 red bell peppers, halved and de-seeded
1 cup raw cashews
1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 jalapeño, loosely chopped (optional)
1 handful fresh basil leaves
1 handful fresh parsley (remove and discard stems)
2 tablespoons or 30mL of olive oil
1 tablespoon or 30mL of water (you can add more if too dry)
1 tablespoon or 6g ground cumin
1 big spoonful of tahini
2 garlic cloves, peeled
Squeeze of fresh lime
Salt + Pepper to taste

INGREDIENTS - GARNISH/EXTRAS

1 handful dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, etc.)
zest from 1/2 lime (optional)
sesame seeds

EQUIPMENT - just have these ready as called for

Food processor
Baking Tray
Parchment Paper/Baking Sheets

Steps

First pre-heat your oven to 200C/425F. Next, line a baking tray with parchment paper/baking sheet. Place pepper halves on top. When oven is ready, place tray in for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine all filling ingredients in food processor until a rough mixture forms. (Don't over-blend, you don't want this too smooth.) If it's too dry, add more water. Use a spoon to add the dried fruit and zest. Set aside.

Once peppers are done, remove from oven and spoon in the falafel mixture. Place back in oven for another 5 - 8 minutes. You want them to be golden up top but not too dry. Serve immediately with salsa or mint sauce, enjoy!