Cauliflower Raisin Stuffed Bell Peppers

Fall is around the corner so I have been testing more recipes in the oven lately. This stuffed bell pepper recipe isn't new though; I've been making it for years now. In fact, I got my mom hooked years ago and she make it all the time (see photos below). We love to play around with different ingredients. This time it was Cauliflower, raisins and toasted pine nuts.

Stuffed bell peppers are exciting because they are so versatile in what goes in them. My Cauliflower and Raisin Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe is exact but please feel free to use your favorite vegetables, nuts or seeds and herbs.

You can even add cheese like feta (my mom's favorite) if you're not vegan or a Daiya or Kite Hill vegan style would be my choice.

I try and eat low fat most of the time but I find roasting or pan sautéing without any oil is difficult, so I add as little as possible. Usually I use a little water first to steam and cook the veggies down and then add a touch of oil for the final sautéing. The other option is to dry sauté or use a tiny bit of oil first until the juice from the veggies seeps out and you can use that for the rest of the cooking process.

When I use oils to cook I try not to use cheese or avocado. That way a least the fat content isn't too high. Don't get me wrong I love fat but I don't like too much oils. I like to get my fat from avocados, nuts coconut etc.

What's your favorite fat? Do you think low-fat is almost impossible and boring? I sometimes do, I have to admit. So I def splurge from time to time.

Not to mention I have spent the past week on a low-fat raw vegan diet. Have you checked out my raw vegan cleanse? I created a meal plan and helpful shopping guide with loads of inspiration, motivation and 30+ recipes to have on hand. Click here to see more photos and pricing.

So now just al little fat for flavor and texture because I reset my palate after that week. It helps to cleanse from time to time; the body really appreciates it. You'll be so glad you did it.

Cauliflower and Raisin Stuffed Bell Peppers

yields 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 4-5 bell peppers, cut in half, seeds removed
• 2 cups cauliflower rice (or make your own)
• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup frozen or fresh corn
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon olive oil or coconut oil
• ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted or dry roasted
• ⅓ cup raisins
• fresh parsley, chopped (or other herbs like basil, cilantro, arugula, etc.)
• sea salt, to taste
• spices like pepper, cumin, red chili flakes, etc.

DIRECTONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large baking dish or cookie sheet, place the bell peppers that are cut in half already and seeded. Cook them for about 20 minutes, until soft. They might produce juice/water, so be careful when taking them out of the oven.
3. While the peppers are baking, put the olive oil or coconut oil into a frying pan or skillet on the stovetop. Press the garlic (or mince it) into the warm oil along with the chopped scallion. Cook until scallions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Don't let them burn.
4. For the cauliflower rice, I suggest just buying it pre-made to make your life easier. Even Costco and Target have it pre-made and I think Trader Joes as well. Same with the rice; just cook it ahead of time in a rice cooker or buy it frozen (pre cooked) at your local health food store.
5. Add the rice and cauliflower rice to the hot skillet. Add the chopped tomatoes, corn and pinch of salt. Add any spices you feel like adding. I only added pepper, salt this time and red chili flakes for spice.
6. Cook for about 4 minutes, tossing and coating. Cook on medium or medium/high until most of the water has evaporated (about 2 more minutes).
7. Turn off heat. Add raisins and mix well. Fill each bell pepper half with the mixture. Fill them full and well - pushing some into the corners of the bell peppers.
8. This is where you can add vegan cheese (or regular if you wish). Cook in the oven for another 10 minutes.
9. Remove from oven. Let cool. Then serve.
10. Garnish with toasted pine nuts and tons of fresh herbs.
11. Enjoy!