Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 large red bell peppers
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Cut the tops off the red peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each red pepper with the mozzarella mixture.
5. Place the stuffed red peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Roast the red peppers in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove the red peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 400°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 240
- Total fat: 20g
- Saturated fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of cheese you like instead of mozzarella.
- You can use dried basil instead of fresh basil.
Variations:
- You can add cooked quinoa or rice to the mozzarella mixture for a heartier dish.
- You can add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the mozzarella mixture for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to remove all the seeds and membranes from the red peppers to prevent bitterness.
- You can use a spoon to stuff the red peppers with the mozzarella mixture.
- If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, cover the red peppers with foil.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover stuffed red peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the stuffed red peppers, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the stuffed red peppers on a bed of greens for a colorful and healthy presentation.
Garnishes:
- Garnish the stuffed red peppers with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley.
Pairings:
- Serve the stuffed red peppers with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Grilled zucchini
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese starts to leak out of the red peppers, use toothpicks to hold the peppers closed.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling food.
- Make sure to cook the red peppers until they are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Food history:
- Stuffed peppers have been a popular dish in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries.
Flavor profiles:
- The roasted red peppers have a slightly sweet and smoky flavor, while the mozzarella cheese adds a creamy and savory element.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the stuffed red peppers as a main dish for a vegetarian meal or as a side dish for a meat-based meal.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Italian