Lentil & Sausage Stuffed Peppers

[BeckyM]

This is a continuation of the September Recipe reviews. I'm not sure if anyone already commented on these stuffed peppers, but I made them last night and thought I'd share my opinion.

I made them AFTER hearing from my husband that he didn't really care for stuffed peppers. I was thinking he probably had only had boring ones, and that he would like these, because all the ingredients sounded good. He said he would try them if I made them, so I proceeded.

Our bottom-line opinion was that they weren't worth the effort. I dirtied four different pots/skillets, because the instructions said to cook all the different parts separately. And that's in addition to the baking dish, cutting board, cheese grater, etc. I thought they tasted okay, but not great, and my husband didn't really like them at all (though he ate them and didn't complain, since I had put so much effort into them).

It may be that we're just not the stuffed pepper type. I thought they at least sounded good, but they fell short of my expectations. And for all the effort involved, it just wasn't worth it. This isn't one I'll be repeating.

[RunnerKim]

We just had these a couple of days ago and really enjoyed them but decided we'd probably only make them once a year when red/yellow peppers are affordable - the basil sausage was $5/lb.! As with BeckyM, the number of pots and pans used certainly wouldn't encourage me to make it again.

The flavor of the sausage really made this dish for us - we'd never seen chicken sausage before and were like kids at a candy store when we saw the dozen different varieties at our health food store. For us it was very flavorful, pretty and filling - but the cost and clean-up factor will limit how often we make it.

Kim

[Nanci]

am making the peppers as well. Hoping to cut down on cooking time and clean-up -- I boiled the peppers (only red and green they were on sale at the local produce store), made the rice, and lentils last night. I only used one saucepan and a lg. pot for boiling water. My SO couldn't find the chicken sausage -- so I am going to use turkey sausage (much less expensive). Tonight I'll make the sausage mix everything and bake the peppers.

I am hoping for the best -- I'll let you know how it turns out.

Nanci

[Nanci]

Beth,

I was also disappointed. They were o.k. but lacked pizzazz (sp?). I would agree too much work for a mediocre dinner. Has anyone tried the lentil burger?

Nanci

[doggerham]

I guess I'm in the minority here -- we really enjoyed these peppers, and I was especially happy to sneak the lentils into my husband's diet.

I agree that the number of pans you get dirty is a drag, but I guess that's the price you pay to have lots of tasty ingredients.

Chicken sausage, in a couple of different flavors are easy to get here - both in the healthfood store, but also at the regular grocery store. Candelari's is based here in Houston, so lucky me!

[kendra]

Just made this last night and my husband loved it. Lots of dishes, I'll agree, but since my husband does the clean-up, I don't worry about how many things I dirty! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif I didn't think it took a lot of effort - it was easy to do - but did take a lot of different pots. I substituted lemon and tarragon flavored chicken sausage since we had a small selection of sausages. Since I love the process of cooking so much, I don't mind the extra effort to get this tasty and good for you dish to my dinner table. Then again, my husband does the dishes, we have not kids, etc. etc. and I can afford the time and effort.

[RunnerKim]

I'm guessing the sausage really makes or breaks this dish. If you can't find the flavored chicken sausage it doesn't appear that the substitutes make it flavorful enough.

Kim