Confetti Rice Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 4 red bell peppers , cut in half through the stem, seeds discarded
• 1 ½ tbsp canola oil
• 1 cup finely chopped carrots
• 1 cup finely chopped celery stalk
• 1 ½ tbsp chopped garlic
• 1 ½ tsp ground fennel seed
• 2 cups packed baby spinach
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 ½ cups grated white cheddar cheese , divided
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper