Home

Stuffed peppers with black rice, salmon, and zucchini

17/11/2023

This is a recipe that offers a colorful and nutritious dish, combining Mediterranean flavors with a touch of originality thanks to the black rice and salmon. Here’s how to prepare stuffed peppers with black rice, salmon, and zucchini.

Ingredients

  • 4 large peppers (variety of colors if preferred)
  • 200 g of black rice (also known as Venus rice)
  • 200 g of fresh salmon (or smoked, according to taste)
  • 2 medium zucchinis
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 1 tablespoon of salted capers (rinse and chop them)
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Aromatic herbs of choice (for example, dill or parsley)
  • Grated lemon zest (optional)

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
  2. Wash the peppers, cut them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and internal filaments.
  3. Boil the black rice in salted water according to the cooking time on the package, then drain it and let it cool.
  4. Meanwhile, cut the salmon into small cubes and the zucchini into thin rounds or half-moons.
  5. In a frying pan, sauté the chopped garlic clove with a bit of oil, then add the zucchini and cook for about 5 minutes. Then add the salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Remove the garlic and add the rice to the pan with the zucchini and salmon, incorporate the capers and stir gently to combine the ingredients.
  7. If you wish, you can also add chopped aromatic herbs and lemon zest.
  8. Stuff the pepper halves with the rice, zucchini, and salmon mixture.
  9. Arrange the stuffed peppers in a lightly oiled baking dish and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the peppers are tender but still firm.
  10. Serve the peppers hot, warm, or even at room temperature according to preference.

Curiosity

Venus rice, with its characteristic black coloration, originates from China and is highly valued not only for its bold and slightly nutty flavor but also for its nutritional properties, being rich in fiber and antioxidants. Its use in a Mediterranean recipe such as stuffed peppers creates a pleasant contrast of colors and a truly intriguing blend of flavors.