Curry Stuffed Peppers | Lentil Coconut Curry - vegan, plant-based recipe (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Stephanie McKercher, RDN · This post may contain affiliate links · 22 Comments

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These Coconut Curry Stuffed Peppers are sponsored by USA Pulses & Pulse Canada. As a proud pulse partner, I’m sharing a series of healthy recipes featuring chickpeas, dry peas, lentils, and beans this year.

Curry Stuffed Peppers | Lentil Coconut Curry - vegan, plant-based recipe (1)

I’ve been brainstorming simple ways to change up my go-to weeknight dinners, and in addition to incorporating beets into bean burgers, and crispy roasted chickpeas into buddha bowls, I’m also super excited about my latest switch—using coconut curry (instead of the traditional beef and cheese filling) to make stuffed bell peppers.

Curry Stuffed Peppers | Lentil Coconut Curry - vegan, plant-based recipe (2)

I shared a recipe for coconut curry with chickpeas last year, so this time, I’m switching things up and using lentils.Both chickpeas and lentils are part of the fiber- and protein-packed pulse family, along with beans and dry peas. Luckily, pulses are also sustainable and budget-friendly vegetarian staples, so you can feel good about eating them often.

Curry Stuffed Peppers | Lentil Coconut Curry - vegan, plant-based recipe (3)

Like the savory breakfast bowls I shared last week, you can utilize leftovers to save time when you make this recipe. You’ll also decrease the amount of food that ends up in your trash bin, which is always a smart move for both environmental and financial reasons.

Curry Stuffed Peppers | Lentil Coconut Curry - vegan, plant-based recipe (4)

I cooked the coconut curry filling ahead of time (using leftover pre-cooked red lentils and brown rice), so I only needed to pop the peppers back in the oven for about 20 minutes when I was ready to eat them a few hours later. Cook each stuffed pepper separately and this becomes a simple, convenient meal for one!

Curry Stuffed Peppers | Lentil Coconut Curry - vegan, plant-based recipe (5)

[clickToTweet tweet="#ad Stuffed peppers get a delicious update with lentil coconut curry! #halfcuphabit" quote="Stuffed peppers get a delicious update with lentil coconut curry! #halfcuphabit"]

📖 Recipe

Curry Stuffed Peppers | Lentil Coconut Curry - vegan, plant-based recipe (6)

Coconut Curry Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers get a delicious update with the addition of lentil coconut curry.

5 from 4 votes

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Course: entree

Cuisine: dairy-free, plant-based, vegan, vegetarian

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Author: Stephanie McKercher, RDN

Ingredients

  • 4 red bell peppers substitute with pepper of choice
  • 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil or cooking oil of choice
  • ¼ cup diced red onion
  • ½ cup diced carrots reserve carrot tops and chop for garnish if desired
  • 2 cups cooked red lentils
  • 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
  • ½ cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 tablespoon mild curry powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper omit if your curry powder is already spicy
  • 1 13.5 ounce can coconut milk (I used full fat)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cashews for topping optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375º F. Use a knife to carefully cut and remove the tops of each bell pepper. Remove the stem and seeds, dice the red parts of each pepper top. Set diced pepper aside.

  • Place bell peppers in an oven-safe baking dish, and par cook the peppers in the oven for about 10 minutes. Remove baking dish, and allow peppers to cool.

  • To prepare the curry filling, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and carrot to skillet and cook until onion is translucent, 3-5 minutes. Add cooked lentils, broccoli, cooked brown rice, curry powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir in coconut milk, tomato paste, and soy sauce, and cook until vegetables are tender and sauce is thick, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in raw diced pepper (from pepper tops) and remove skillet from heat.

  • Divide curry into four equal portions, and spoon it into the bell peppers. Place baking dish back in the oven and bake 20 additional minutes. Cool for about 5 minutes, top with chopped carrot tops and cashews (if desired), and serve. Enjoy!

Notes

Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce if needed.

Tried this recipe? Tag me on Instagram!Mention @GratefulGrazer or tag #gratefulgrazer.

Curry Stuffed Peppers | Lentil Coconut Curry - vegan, plant-based recipe (7)

What are your go-to weeknight meals? And how do you switch them up for more variety?

Looking for more bean, chickpea, lentil, and pea recipes? Sign up for the Half-Cup Habit challenge!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. CAFFAHOLIC says

    Curry Stuffed Peppers | Lentil Coconut Curry - vegan, plant-based recipe (12)
    wow! this is so delicious and turned out to be super good...tried this already..thanks for sharing and a happy Christmas to you 🙂

    Reply

    • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

      Merry Christmas! So glad you enjoyed these peppers—one of my favorite recipes on the site. 🙂

      Reply

  2. Laura says

    I love stuffed peppers so much! Such a great way to mix up the weeknight dinner routine for sure!

    Reply

    • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

      Totally! Thanks, Laura!

      Reply

  3. Kristina @ Love & Zest says

    Curry Stuffed Peppers | Lentil Coconut Curry - vegan, plant-based recipe (13)
    Stuffed peppers are a favorite dinner of mine! I need to try out this recipe!

    Reply

  4. Alisa Fleming says

    I need these peppers for lunch tomorrow! They looks so rich, fulfilling, flavorful and healthy.

    Reply

    • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

      Thanks, Alisa! They're totally all of those things—perfect make-ahead lunch!

      Reply

  5. Christine - Jar Of Lemons says

    Really obsessed with coconut curry these days! So perfect for fall. Must try this recipe soon!

    Reply

    • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

      It's super cozy. Enjoy!

      Reply

  6. Lorie says

    I just recently got started on curry. I love that the curry was made ahead of time!

    Reply

    • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

      It's a great make-ahead meal—the spices just meld and get even more delicious together!

      Reply

  7. Sarah says

    Stuffed pepper were a classic growing up and a fall favorite. I have a dozen peppers sitting on the table right now and wish my girls loved stuffed peppers. Luckily they like peppers raw but we just can't eat them quick enough.

    Reply

    • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

      Oh man, I wish I could come over and help you eat them all! 🙂

      Reply

  8. Veggie Inspired says

    We use a lot of lentils in this house - so good! These curry stuffed peppers sound so delicious!

    Reply

    • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

      There are so many different ways to use them! Thanks so much!

      Reply

  9. Whitney @ To Live & Diet in L.A. says

    Yum!! I am a major coconut curry fan and I absolutely love the presentation here! Can't wait to try this recipe!

    Reply

    • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

      Thanks, Whitney! Coconut curry is one of my favorites, too, and stuffing it inside bell peppers makes it that much better. 🙂

      Reply

  10. Deryn | Running on Real Food says

    Okay...this is genius. Excuse me while I go stuff peppers with everything! I haven't made them in forever and I've never thought of stuffing them with something so yummy.

    Reply

    • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

      haha I know, I can't help myself, either! Peppers are made for stuffing! 🙂

      Reply

  11. Karl @ Healthy Kreation says

    Curry Stuffed Peppers | Lentil Coconut Curry - vegan, plant-based recipe (14)
    I love the choice of lentils for this recipe. I think it will make it taste better imo. Thanks for sharing this.

    Reply

    • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

      Thanks, Karl! So glad you agree—lentils make everything better. 🙂

      Reply

Curry Stuffed Peppers | Lentil Coconut Curry - vegan, plant-based recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is coconut curry sauce made of? ›

Sauté onion, garlic and ginger (fresh please!); Add Spices and cook – this brings out the flavour of the spices, making them bloom; Add coconut milk, tomato passata (tomato puree in the States, or even Tomato Sauce) plus chicken or vegetable broth/stock; Simmer to bring the flavours together.

How many calories in a vegan stuffed pepper with rice? ›

There are 222 calories in a 1/2 pepper with filling of Meatless Stuffed Pepper with Rice.

Why is curry sauce not vegan? ›

Curry sauces can vary widely, and some may contain animal-derived ingredients such as dairy or fish sauce. Double-check the ingredients to make sure they're vegan.

Can vegans have coconut milk? ›

Yes, coconut milk is vegan, making it a great alternative to dairy for those on a plant-based diet. So the next time you're in the mood for a co*cktail, you don't have to shun the Pina Coladas. Looking for some vegan milk recommendations?

Do you have to boil peppers before stuffing them? ›

I definitely suggest par-cooking the bell peppers first, just a little bit before stuffing them. Not only does this help to soften the bell peppers, but it also cuts down on your cook time. As the bell peppers are cooking you can make the filling, shaving off about 20 minutes from your total cook time.

Why do my stuffed peppers taste bland? ›

Seasoning. Peppers can be quite bland on their own so seasoning the inside of the cavity with salt is very important. Be sure to taste your stuffing prior to filling the peppers and make any adjustments there as well.

Does vegan rice have carbs? ›

Nutribiotic Plain Vegan Rice Protein (1 tbsp) contains 2g total carbs, 1g net carbs, 0g fat, 12g protein, and 60 calories.

How much protein is in a stuffed pepper from Costco? ›

Costco Stuffed Bell Peppers (1 pepper) contains 26g total carbs, 25g net carbs, 9g fat, 19g protein, and 345 calories.

Is there carbs in stuffed peppers? ›

Green bell peppers, stuffed with beef, rice and cheese (1 each) contains 22.8g total carbs, 19.5g net carbs, 12.1g fat, 18.9g protein, and 270 calories.

What is curry sauce made of? ›

Curry Sauce is a puree of sauteed and simmered masala made with onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, sometimes carrots and plenty of spices. Some times even the stalks of coriander is added. The method to make curry sauce is same everywhere but the vegetables used vary depending on the availability and season.

What is the difference between Thai and Indian coconut curry? ›

Thai curries have a brighter flavor and soupier consistency, because they use lots of fresh herbs and are cooked for less time than Indian curries. It's worth your time stocking up on some of the unique ingredients — you can freeze herbs like lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves for multiple future uses.

Is coconut curry good for you? ›

Thai curries are usually made with a hefty dose of coconut milk, and that won't do your diet any favors. One cup of the creamy milk packs in 400 calories. It also has 36 grams of saturated fat -- more than three times the recommended daily amount. For a healthier dish, order the grilled or barbecued curry chicken.

What does Thai coconut curry taste like? ›

Because you're going to fall in love with it immediately. If you love Thai food (and really, who doesn't?), then you're going to love this chicken curry. It tastes kind of like a cross between red curry and panang curry. It's saucy and well seasoned and nutty and creamy and crunchy and citrusy!

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