Stuffed Pesto Bell Peppers

This recipe is very low in cholesterol!  99% fat free ground turkey is the only culprit here.

Ingredients:
4 red or green bell peppers- best to choose large bell peppers whose structure allows them to stand up.
1 lb 99% fat free ground turkey
1/2 large onion, chopped
8 oz pkg Uncle Ben's prepared rice
1/4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
2 cloves minced garlic
3/4 cup vegan pesto- recipe follows. Prepared pesto works also but contains parmesan cheese which will slightly increase the cholesterol count for this recipe.
3 slices vegan cheese
2 cups prepared pasta sauce
Salt/Pepper to taste


Directions:
Cut tops off of peppers and heat in microwave oven until  peppers start to soften. Pour 1 & 1/3 cup pasta sauce in oblong baking dish and place peppers on top of sauce. Sauté turkey, onions, tomatoes, and garlic in skillet until turkey is cooked.  Stir in 2/3 cup pasta sauce and add vegan cheese, stirring until well mixed, then add 3/4 cup pesto.  Prepare rice according to package instructions.  Add to turkey mixture.  Scoop turkey/rice mixture into each pepper. Cover and bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Vegan pesto:

3 cups fresh basil leaves

3 cloves garlic

1 cup olive oil

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

1 cup pine nuts or walnuts (for those with nut allergies, substitute 1 cup chick peas)

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (optional but really yummy!)

Salt/pepper to taste

Puree ingredients in food processor until thoroughly blended.