Introduction
Discover a delightful summer dish with this recipe for Stuffed Peppers. This vibrant and hearty meal is perfect for warm evenings and easily accommodates various dietary preferences. With a flavorful filling of rice, beans, and spices, topped with melty cheese, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress your family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
4 red bell peppers
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
1½ cups white cheddar cheese
Avocado slices or guacamole, for serving
Lime wedges, for serving
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Filling:
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, grated
2 jalapeños, diced (more for topping, if desired)
2 scallions, chopped
1 teaspoon lime zest
1½ tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ cup finely chopped cilantro
3 cups cooked white jasmine rice
1½ cups cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
1½ cups corn kernels
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4 to 6
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Peppers: Slice the red bell peppers in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and membranes. Place them cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bake for 10 minutes. After baking, tip out and discard any liquid that pools inside the peppers. Set the peppers aside.
3. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, grated garlic, diced jalapeños, chopped scallions, lime zest, lime juice, cumin, coriander, cayenne, sea salt, and chopped cilantro. Mix well. Fold in the cooked jasmine rice, black beans, and corn kernels until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Stuff the Peppers: Scoop the filling mixture into each pepper half, distributing it evenly. Top each stuffed pepper with shredded white cheddar cheese.
5. Bake or Broil: For a bubbly, browned cheese topping, place the stuffed peppers under the broiler for 2 to 5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Alternatively, continue baking at 450°F (232°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
6. Serve: Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and serve them with avocado slices or guacamole, lime wedges, and additional diced jalapeños if desired.
Notes: To make this dish vegan, omit the cheese. Instead of baking the peppers a second time, serve them topped with guacamole or chipotle sauce.
Conclusion
Enjoy these colorful and nourishing stuffed peppers as a delightful addition to your summer dinner repertoire. Whether for a casual weeknight meal or a festive gathering, they are sure to be a hit.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Peppers
Slice the red bell peppers in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and membranes. Place them cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bake for 10 minutes. After baking, tip out and discard any liquid that pools inside the peppers. Set the peppers aside.
Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, grated garlic, diced jalapeños, chopped scallions, lime zest, lime juice, cumin, coriander, cayenne, sea salt, and chopped cilantro. Mix well. Fold in the cooked jasmine rice, black beans, and corn kernels until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Stuff the Peppers
Scoop the filling mixture into each pepper half, distributing it evenly. Top each stuffed pepper with shredded white cheddar cheese.
Bake or Broil
For a bubbly, browned cheese topping, place the stuffed peppers under the broiler for 2 to 5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Alternatively, continue baking at 450°F (232°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Serve
Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and serve them with avocado slices or guacamole, lime wedges, and additional diced jalapeños if desired.
Notes
Vegan Version
To make this dish vegan, omit the cheese. Instead of baking the peppers a second time, serve them topped with guacamole or chipotle sauce.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheating the oven ensures that your dish cooks evenly and reaches the desired temperature when you place it inside.
Drizzling Olive Oil
Drizzling olive oil not only adds flavor but also helps to prevent sticking and promotes even cooking.
Preparing Bell Peppers
Removing seeds and membranes from bell peppers helps to achieve a more tender texture and reduces bitterness, ensuring a better taste in your final dish.
Baking vs. Broiling
Baking allows for thorough cooking of the filling, while broiling gives a beautiful golden-brown finish to the cheese on top. Use broiling for quicker results but watch closely to prevent burning.
Stuffing Techniques
Scooping the filling into the peppers carefully ensures that each pepper is filled evenly, creating a balanced bite of flavors and textures.
FAQ
Can I use other types of cheese instead of white cheddar?
Yes, you can substitute white cheddar with any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a vegan cheese alternative.
What can I use instead of jasmine rice?
You can use any type of rice, such as brown rice, basmati rice, or quinoa for a gluten-free option.
How can I make these stuffed peppers spicier?
To add more heat, consider using additional jalapeños, adding crushed red pepper flakes, or incorporating spicy sauces into the filling.
Can these peppers be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers, then store them in the refrigerator for a day before baking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free rice and toppings. Always check labels on your ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Conclusion
The stuffed peppers recipe provides a delightful balance of flavors and textures, perfect for a summer dinner. With the combination of spices, fresh ingredients, and the optional creamy toppings, it makes for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Try experimenting with different fillings or toppings to suit your taste preferences.
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