Ingredients
To create the perfect mini stuffed peppers, youโll need a selection of fresh ingredients. Hereโs a list to get you started:
For the Peppers:
- Mini bell peppers: Choose a variety of colors for a vibrant presentation.
For the Rice Filling:
- Cooked rice: Any type of rice can be used, but jasmine or basmati adds a nice aroma.
- Olive oil: For sautรฉing.
- Onion: Finely chopped.
- Garlic: Minced.
- Tomato paste: Adds depth and richness.
- Cumin: For a warm, earthy flavor.
- Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Fresh herbs: Such as parsley or cilantro, chopped.
For the Cheese Filling:
- Cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing.
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar: For a gooey texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated for a nutty flavor.
- Chives or green onions: Finely chopped.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Instructions
Creating mini stuffed peppers is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to make your own delicious batch:
Preparation
- Preheat the ovenย to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Wash and dry the mini bell peppers.ย Cut the tops off and remove the seeds and membranes.
For the Rice Filling
- Heat olive oilย in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onionย and sautรฉ until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlicย and cook for another minute.
- Add tomato paste, cumin, and paprika, and cook for 2 minutes.
- Mix in the cooked rice, and season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heatย and stir in the fresh herbs.
For the Cheese Filling
- In a bowl, combineย cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Add the chopped chivesย or green onions.
- Seasonย with salt and pepper.
- Mix until smoothย and well combined.
Stuffing and Baking
- Fill each mini pepperย with the rice filling or cheese mixture, or a combination of both.
- Place stuffed peppersย upright in a baking dish.
- Cover with foilย and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foilย and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion