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Stuffed sweet peppers

17/11/2023

Here is the classic Italian recipe for preparing stuffed sweet peppers (Mediterranean-style stuffed peppers):

Ingredients

  • 4 large sweet peppers
  • 300g of ground meat (you can use beef, pork, or a mix of the two)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 cup of rice, cooked
  • 100g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 400g of peeled tomatoes, chopped (or tomato sauce)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Fresh basil (optional)
  • Dried oregano (optional)
  • Breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy crust)

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
  2. Wash the peppers, cut the top off to create “caps” and remove the seeds and inner membranes.
  3. In a large skillet, heat a little oil and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent. Add the garlic and continue to sauté for a few minutes.
  4. Add the ground meat and cook until well browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
  5. Season with salt and pepper, then incorporate the cooked rice, Parmesan, and half of the peeled tomatoes. If you like, you can also add some chopped basil or oregano for extra flavor.
  6. Stuff each pepper with the meat and rice mixture, pressing down lightly.
  7. If desired, sprinkle the surface of the stuffed peppers with breadcrumbs, which will add a pleasant crunch.
  8. Place the peppers in an oiled baking dish and pour the rest of the peeled tomatoes around the peppers.
  9. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 40-45 minutes. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to brown the surface.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with basil leaves if available.

Fun Facts

Stuffed peppers are a widespread dish in Italy, with local variations that may include the addition of capers, olives, and anchovies for an even more Mediterranean touch or replacing the meat with tuna and breadcrumbs for a lighter version, typical of summer.

I hope you enjoy cooking and tasting this flavor-rich dish! If you have dietary restrictions or would like a vegetarian version, let me know and I will be happy to adapt the recipe for you.