Bellissimo Bell Peppers a Mediterranean Stuffed Pepper Feast

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a trip to the Mediterranean without leaving your kitchen? Honestly, who doesn't?

This stuffed pepper filling recipe brings sunshine to your plate! We're talking juicy bell peppers packed with flavour. Think sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta – bellissimo !

A Taste of the Med in Your Kitchen

These aren't your nan's stuffed peppers. This Mediterranean stuffed pepper recipe draws inspiration from the sun-kissed shores of Greece and Italy.

It's a classic dish with a vibrant twist. Think simple ingredients, bold flavours, and a whole lot of YUM.

This recipe is medium difficulty. Prep takes about 30 minutes and cooking is 45. One hour and fifteen minutes to deliciousness. It serves four, with two pepper halves per person.

Why You'll Love These Peppers

Besides the incredible taste, these peppers are pretty good for you. Packed with veggies and protein, they're a winner. Did you know bell peppers are packed with Vitamin C? A study showed that they contain even more vitamin C than oranges.

This Stuffed Sweet Peppers Recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's impressive enough for a dinner party.

Now that I've convinced you to try this, let's talk ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

So, you wanna make my Mediterranean Stuffed Pepper recipe ? Sorted! First, we need to raid the fridge and cupboards.

Don't worry, it's easier than finding a decent cup of tea in America, honestly. Let's get our ducks in a row, and make sure we have the right bits for this Easy stuffed pepper filling .

Main Ingredients

Here’s the breakdown for this glorious feast. Remember, quality in, quality out. So, let's get the good stuff.

For the Peppers:

• 4 large bell peppers (US & Metric: Approx 800g total). Any colour, halved lengthwise, seeds gone!
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (US: 2 tbsp, Metric: 30ml )
• Salt and pepper to taste (Because bland food is just sad, innit?)

For the Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (US: 1 tbsp, Metric: 15ml )
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (US: 1 medium, Metric: approx. 150g )
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (US: 2 cloves, Metric: approx. 6g ). Don't be shy with the garlic. Nobody likes a vampire anyway.
• 1 pound ground lamb or beef (US: 1 lb , Metric: 450g ). Ground lamb gives it a proper Mediterranean vibe.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (US: 1 tsp, Metric: 2g )
• ½ teaspoon dried basil (US: ½ tsp, Metric: 1g )
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) (US: ½ tsp, Metric: 1g )
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (US: 1 can, Metric: 411g )
• ½ cup cooked rice (US: ½ cup, Metric: 100g ). Long grain or basmati, up to you.
• ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped (US: ½ cup, Metric: 75g )
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped (US: ½ cup, Metric: 60g )
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (US: ½ cup, Metric: 75g ). Good quality feta is key!
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (US: ¼ cup, Metric: 10g )
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 (14.5 ounce) can of tomato sauce.

Quality Indicators:

With lamb, look for a good colour and minimal fat. Feta should be tangy, salty, and not rubbery. You are aiming for a Stuffed Sweet Peppers Recipe with the freshest produce

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bombs Away!

Oregano and basil are the backbone. Red pepper flakes give it a kick. Feta adds saltiness and tang. Honestly, that salty tang makes for a great Feta stuffed peppers meal.

Get creative with substitutions and Stuffed bell pepper variations

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS)!

• Large skillet
• Baking dish ( 9x13 inch )
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board

No need for fancy gadgets. A good knife, a skillet, and a baking dish are your mates here. A mixing bowl for your stuffed pepper filling recipe and you are good to go.

Bellissimo Bell Peppers: Cooking Method

Alright, so you're itching to make some amazing stuffed peppers, yeah? Forget those bland, boring ones your nan used to make.

We're diving into a Mediterranean stuffed pepper recipe that’s bursting with flavour. This isn't just a recipe; it's an experience, a trip to sunny Greece in every bite.

I remember the first time I tried stuffed peppers in Greece. Honestly, it was a game changer. The easy stuffed pepper filling was just so fresh.

This stuffed sweet peppers recipe reminds me of that trip.

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

First things first. Get your act together, yeah? Chop your veggies. Mince your garlic. Crumble that lovely feta. Having everything prepped is key.

It stops you flapping later when the hob's on full blast. For these, your essential mise en place should include your chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, cooked rice, chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.

Time saving tip? Cook your rice ahead of time. Maybe even the day before. Honestly, it cuts down on the faff.

Safety reminder: Don't be a div. Keep your fingers away from the sharp bits when chopping. You know? Common sense, but worth saying.

step-by-step to Stuffed Pepper Perfection

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Halve the bell peppers lengthwise. Get rid of those pesky seeds.
2. Drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Place 'em in your baking dish.
3. Sauté onion and garlic in a skillet until soft. Seriously, the smell alone is worth it.
4. Brown the ground lamb (or beef). Drain off any excess fat. No one wants greasy peppers.
5. Stir in oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave). Add diced tomatoes and simmer.
6. Remove from heat. Stir in rice, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning. This stuffed pepper filling recipe is all about flavour!
7. Spoon the filling into the pepper halves. Pack it in nicely.
8. Pour tomato sauce over and around the peppers
9. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes . Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes . Want cheesy peppers? Throw on some grated cheese for the last 5 minutes of baking.

Cracking Pro Tips

• Don't overcook those peppers! Slightly undercooked is way better than mushy.
• Invest in good feta. Seriously. Makes all the difference. Get the proper Greek stuff, not that rubbery block.
• make-ahead option: Prep the filling the day before. Saves time and lets the flavours mingle.
• If you are looking for Banana Pepper Recipe Ideas remember that they need a little longer in the oven than bell peppers.

Honestly, these Hot Sausage Stuffed Peppers , or the Ground lamb stuffed peppers are banging. I never thought I’d rave about stuffed peppers, but here we are.

Make these. Your taste buds will thank you for it.

Recipe Notes: Making Your Bellissimo Bell Peppers Bellissima !

Right, so you're ready to tackle these Mediterranean stuffed pepper recipe . Let's dive into some extra bits and bobs to make them truly fab. Trust me, it's all about the details.

Serve It Up: Plating Like a Pro

Honestly, presentation matters! These babies are already colourful. So, arrange two stuffed pepper halves per plate. Garnish with fresh parsley, or a dollop of Greek yogurt if you're feeling fancy.

A simple side salad and crusty bread? Sorted!

Sidekicks and Sips

What goes well with these stuffed wonders? Well, a simple Greek salad is a winner. Its fresh flavours cut through the richness.

Or, how about some tzatziki for dipping? As for drinks, a crisp white wine or even a refreshing iced tea work a treat.

You know? A lovely match.

Stash It Away: Storage Savvy

Got leftovers? No worries, mate. Let the peppers cool completely. Then, pop them in an airtight container. They'll happily sit in the fridge for 3-4 days .

For freezing, wrap each pepper half individually in cling film before putting them in a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 2 months .

To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Then, bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

A blast in the microwave works too but they can get a bit soggy.

Twist It Up: Variations on a Theme

Fancy mixing it up a bit? Here are a few ideas.

Dietary Adaptations: Want a veggie version? Swap the ground lamb for cooked lentils or crumbled halloumi. It is great. For gluten-free, just make sure your rice is certified gluten-free.

And feta stuffed peppers are a delight.

Seasonal Swaps: In summer, courgettes or aubergines can be stuffed instead of peppers. In winter, try using butternut squash. It is yum.

Nutrition Nitty Gritty

Each serving clocks in around 450 calories . You get a good whack of protein from the lamb (or lentils), about 30g .

There's also healthy fats and carbs. These peppers are also a good source of fiber. And it is good for you.

The Key Benefits? Well, it's a balanced meal packed with flavour. The Mediterranean diet is known for its health benefits.

The peppers give you vitamins, the meat gives you protein, and the feta adds calcium.

So, go on, give this stuffed pepper filling recipe a whirl! It's easier than you think. And you will love the results.

Stuffed Banana Pepper Recipe ? That is a new thing. Now, go get cooking!