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Rice-Stuffed Peppers

17/11/2023

Rice-stuffed peppers are a very tasty and colorful dish that brings Mediterranean flavors to the table. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

  • 4 large peppers (red, yellow, or green)
  • 200 g of rice
  • 400 g of peeled tomatoes or ripe fresh tomatoes
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 2 tablespoons of capers (optional)
  • 100 g of pitted Taggiasca olives
  • A handful of chopped parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Fresh basil
  • Grated cheese (pecorino or parmesan, optional)

Preparation

  1. Start by washing the peppers, cut the top part off and remove the seeds and internal filaments. Keep the “lids” of the peppers to cover them after you have filled them.

  2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rice for half the time indicated on the package, so that it remains al dente, then drain it and set it aside.

  3. In the meantime, prepare a sauté with the finely chopped onion and garlic in a pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Add the tomatoes cut into pieces, salt, and pepper, and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes.

  4. Add the partially cooked rice, capers, olives, and part of the chopped parsley to the sauce. Mix well and let it flavor for a few minutes.

  5. Fill the peppers with the seasoned rice, then cover each one with its “lid.”

  6. Place the peppers in an oiled baking dish, drizzle with a bit of oil and, if you wish, sprinkle with grated cheese.

  7. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 180 °C for about 40-45 minutes, until the peppers are soft and the surface is slightly golden.

  8. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

You can serve the rice-stuffed peppers either hot or at room temperature, and they are excellent both ways.

Curiosity

In Italy, stuffed peppers can have various fillings such as ground meat (typical of some regions like Liguria), tuna, and even eggs in some home-style versions. The rice variation, particularly widespread in the South, is perfect for those looking for a hearty dish without meat.

Rice-Stuffed Peppers