Seafood St￭ Bell Peppers

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 8 ounces crab meat, drained and flaked
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice (optional for a low-carb version)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
3. Add chopped shrimp to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turns pink and opaque, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the crab meat, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes.
5. If using, stir in cooked quinoa or rice to the seafood mixture for added texture.
6. Prepare the bell peppers by cutting the tops off and removing the seeds and membranes. Arrange the peppers in a baking dish.
7. Spoon the seafood mixture into each bell pepper, packing it tightly. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.