Stuffed roasted peppers with cheese

Stuffed Roasted Peppers with Cheese: A Simple and Flavorful Delicacy

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

I propose a simple yet flavorful recipe: roasted peppers stuffed with cheese. This dish is an excellent choice for a quick dinner or a savory appetizer. Roasting the peppers enhances their aroma, while the cheese filling adds a creamy and delicious contrast. Over time, roasted pepper recipes have been appreciated for their versatility, with deep roots in culinary traditions, where peppers are often used as a main ingredient in various dishes.

Necessary ingredients:

- 6 bell peppers (preferably red or yellow for a sweeter flavor)
- 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (choose a quality oil for a richer taste)
- 300 g of salty cheese (you can use feta cheese, goat cheese, or any creamy cheese you prefer)
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground pepper (to add extra flavor)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the peppers: Start by roasting the peppers. You can do this either on a grill or in the oven. If using the oven, preheat it to 200°C. Place the peppers on a baking tray and put them in the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the skin becomes blackened and starts to peel.

2. Cooling the peppers: Once the peppers are roasted, take them out of the oven and sprinkle a little salt on top. Cover them with a damp towel or aluminum foil for 10 minutes. This step is essential as the steam helps loosen the skin.

3. Peeling the peppers: After they have cooled slightly, peel off the skin and remove the seeds. I recommend wearing gloves if you don’t want to end up with green hands from the peppers.

4. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, crumble the cheese with a fork until it becomes a fine paste. You can add a little pepper and, optionally, herbs such as dill or oregano for extra flavor.

5. Stuffing the peppers: Fill each pepper with the cheese paste, making sure they are well packed. Don’t hesitate to add a little extra cheese on top to achieve a delicious crust while baking.

6. Final baking: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle freshly ground pepper on top. Put the dish in the oven and bake for 10 minutes at 180°C, until the cheese is golden and slightly browned.

7. Serving: The stuffed roasted peppers can be served warm, but they are just as delicious cold. You can garnish them with a few fresh basil or parsley leaves for a more attractive appearance.

Useful tips:

- Choosing the peppers: Bell peppers are preferred due to their natural sweetness, but you can also experiment with green peppers or chili for a spicier taste.
- Vegetarian option: If you want a vegetarian option, you can replace the salty cheese with a combination of tofu and herbs.
- Enriching the filling: Add some chopped black or green olives for extra flavor.
- Serving: These roasted peppers are delicious alongside a fresh salad or a tomato salsa, and pair perfectly with a glass of dry white wine.

Nutritional information (per serving):

- Calories: approximately 250 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella for a creamier filling or goat cheese for a more intense flavor.

2. How can I store leftover peppers?
The stuffed peppers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.

3. Can I prepare the recipe in advance?
Of course! You can roast the peppers and fill them with cheese a few hours before serving, keeping them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake them.

4. What drinks pair well with these peppers?
A dry white wine or a gin and tonic cocktail pairs wonderfully with the sweet flavor of roasted peppers.

Stuffed roasted peppers with cheese are not only an easy recipe to make but also a perfect way to impress guests with a healthy and flavorful delicacy. Enjoy every bite and let your imagination soar by experimenting with various fillings and garnishes!