Seafood Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients:
- 2 large bell peppers
- 1 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, cod, or other lean white fish), chopped
- ½ cup corn (use fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cauliflower rice (instead of regular rice) or 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
- 14 oz diced tomatoes (no salt added, canned or fresh)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the Filling: In a medium-sized skillet over medium heat, add the corn, chopped seafood, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, and diced tomatoes. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the seafood is thoroughly cooked. Stir in the cauliflower rice and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Remove the mixture from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of the reduced-fat cheese. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Peppers: Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them cut side up in a deep baking tray.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the seafood mixture into each pepper half. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- Bake: Pour about ¼ cup of water into the bottom of the baking tray to prevent drying. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for Lower Points:
- Use lean seafood like shrimp, cod, or other white fish to keep protein high and fat low.
- Opt for reduced-fat cheese or use a smaller amount of full-fat cheese to reduce points.
- Substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb and lower-point option.
- Monitor portion sizes to stay within daily points limits.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
(Approximate values for modified recipe)
- Calories: ~150-180 kcal
- Protein: ~15-18g
- Carbohydrates: ~10-12g
- Fat: ~5-7g
- Fiber: ~3-4g
- Sugar: ~4g
Weight Watchers Points (estimated):
- Mixed seafood: ~1-2 points
- Cauliflower rice: 0 points (or 2-3 points for 1/2 cup cooked brown rice)
- Corn: 0-1 point (depending on amount and type)
- Diced tomatoes: 0 points
- Reduced-fat cheddar cheese: ~2 points for 1/4 cup
Total Points (per serving): Approximately 3-5 points per serving, depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
This lighter version of Seafood Stuffed Peppers is not only flavorful but also fits well within a Weight Watchers plan, making it a great choice for a satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.