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#Peperoni Ripieni #Peperoni Ripieni (Stuffed Peppers)

Peperoni Ripieni

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Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

  • Equipment Needed
  • Baking dish
  • Knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • 4 bell peppers any color
  • 300 g 10 oz ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
  • 100 g 3.5 oz old bread (without crust), soaked in milk or water
  • 50-75 g 2-3 oz grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1-2 garlic cloves minced
  • Fresh parsley chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the vegetable bed:
  • Bell pepper trimmings tomatoes, and potatoes
  • Olive oil
  • A pinch of oregano
  • For the topping:
  • Breadcrumbs and extra Parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Method:
  • Prepare the Peppers:
  • Cut the peppers in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and core. If you prefer, you can leave the stem on the pepper for a more rustic look and to help hold in the stuffing. Lay them aside.
  • Make the Stuffing:
  • Soak the bread in milk or water for a few minutes until soft. Then, squeeze out the excess liquid and break it into small pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the bread with the ground meat, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined. Taste a small bit of the mixture to adjust the seasoning as needed. It should be well-flavored but not overly salty.
  • Stuff the Peppers:
  • Take a generous handful of the meat mixture and pack it tightly into each pepper half. The stuffing should mound slightly above the edges of the pepper.
  • Prepare the Baking Dish:
  • Drizzle olive oil over the bottom of a baking dish. For added flavor, layer some diced potatoes, tomatoes, and bell pepper trimmings on the bottom. Sprinkle with a bit of oregano, salt, and pepper. Place the stuffed peppers upright on top of the vegetables.
  • Bake the Peppers:
  • Top the stuffed peppers with breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 45-60 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the stuffing is cooked through.
  • Serve:
  • Allow the peppers to cool slightly before serving. These stuffed peppers can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for any occasion. Leftovers are great the next day!
  • Variations and Tips:
  • Vegetarian Option: You can swap the meat for a mixture of rice, vegetables, or lentils to make a delicious vegetarian version.
  • Dietary Substitutes: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you're avoiding gluten, or substitute the bread with rice or quinoa. You can also opt for low-fat cheese for a lighter version.
  • Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, consider adding some Italian sausage to the stuffing, or experiment with adding pine nuts and raisins for a Sicilian twist.
Keyword Peperoni Ripieni