"Beef" and Orzo Stuffed Pepper

By Greywolf

This is a great vegan twist on stuffed peppers.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 bell peppers (any colour)
• 2/3 cup tightly packed fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup vegan Parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbsp chopped walnuts
• 1 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 12 oz faux ground beef-style crumbles
• 1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped
• 12 oz jar tomato sauce

Details

Servings 4
Preparation time 20mins
Cooking time 40mins

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Cook the orzo according to the package directions. Drain.

Cut the tops off the peppers, and set aside, scrape out the insides. Place the peppers in a pot of boiling water and simmer for 3 minutes. Drain.

Place the parsley, Parmesan, walnuts, basil, 1/2 tsp salt and garlic in a food processor and pulse until blended. With the food processor running, slowly add 1/4 cup olive oil and continue processing until smooth to form a pesto.

In a skillet, brown the crumbles in the remaining oil over medium heat. Stir in the orzo, pesto, 1/2 tsp salt and the chopped tomato. Cook for 5 minutes.

Pour the tomato sauce into an 8 inch glass baking dish. Fill the peppers with the "beef" mixture and place in the baking dish. Put the pepper tops back on and bake for 20 minutes.