A Halloween Inspired Healthy Recipe – Farm to Fit

A Halloween Inspired Healthy Recipe

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One of our favorite things to do here at Farm to Fit is to find creative ways to make eating healthy fun for our kids (and kids at heart!). These healthy Halloween-inspired Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-o'-Lanterns are festive, nutritious and delicious.  Feel free to add or subtract ingredients as you like... that's part of the Halloween thrill! 

Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-o'-Lanterns

Ingredients:

  • 4 orange bell peppers (for the pumpkin look)
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey or plant-based ground "meat"
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Shredded cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Peppers: Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds. Carve small jack-o'-lantern faces into the front of each pepper with a paring knife.

  2. Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the ground turkey or plant-based meat, and cook until browned. Stir in the quinoa or rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the flavors combine for a few minutes.

  3. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the filling into each carved pepper, packing it in. If you like, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top.

  4. Bake: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese (if using).

  5. Serve: Enjoy these cute and healthy jack-o'-lanterns as a festive Halloween dinner!

These peppers are not only fun but also packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins!