High-fibre chickpea tuna stuffed peppers

04/08/20261 min read

Plate of stuffed peppers filled with chickpea tuna

Enjoy these stuffed peppers filled with creamy vegan tuna – a high-fibre, plant-based alternative to traditional tuna that's perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner

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Nutrition

Ingredients

2 red bell peppers 
1 tin chickpeas 
1 stalk celery
Juice of ½ lemon 
2 tbsp vegan mayo 
½ tsp wholegrain mustard 
½ tsp garlic powder 
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Skip the fish without missing the flavour. These vegetarian stuffed peppers are packed with a vegan tuna-style filling made from mashed chickpeas, crunchy celery, wholegrain mustard and vegan mayo for all the satisfying texture of tuna. Ready in just 25 minutes, they make an easy lunch, light dinner or vegetarian meal prep option that you can customise with your favourite herbs and toppings.

Method

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Halve the peppers lengthways and remove the seeds and core. Place cut-side down on a lined baking tray and roast for around 15 minutes until tender but still holding their shape.

Step 2

Meanwhile, add the drained chickpeas to a large bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving a little texture.

Step 3

Stir through the celery, lemon juice, vegan mayo, wholegrain mustard and garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper and mix until well combined.

Step 4

Leave the peppers to cool for a few minutes before spooning the chickpea tuna mixture evenly into each half.

Step 5

Scatter over the chopped parsley and serve straight away, with a crisp green salad or rocket on the side.

FAQs

Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes – and easily too. You can roast the peppers and prepare the chickpea tuna filling up to two days in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then fill the peppers just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Can I use another type of bean instead of chickpeas?

Absolutely. While chickpeas create the classic flaky texture of chickpea tuna, you can also use cannellini beans or butter beans for a slightly creamier filling. Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving.

Can I use another colour of bell pepper?

You can – red peppers are naturally sweeter, but yellow, orange or green stuffed bell peppers all work well. Green peppers have a slightly more savoury flavour, while yellow and orange peppers are milder and sweeter.