Stuffed peppers with chicken breast and risotto

Stuffed peppers with chicken breast and risotto – A delicious and healthy recipe

If you are looking for a recipe that combines flavor with a healthy dish, you have come to the right place! Stuffed peppers with chicken breast and risotto are not only nutritious but also incredibly tasty. This recipe blends rich flavors with a pleasant texture, making it perfect for light lunches or dinners. And the best part? It is a versatile recipe, ideal for those who maintain a balanced diet.

A bit of history

Although stuffed peppers are a dish found in various cuisines around the world, each region has its own interpretation. These stuffed peppers with chicken breast and risotto are a modern, easy-to-make variant adapted for those seeking healthier options. Full of colors and flavors, stuffed peppers represent an invitation to the table and are often a symbol of hospitality.

Preparation time and servings

- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 7 servings

Necessary ingredients

- 1 boneless chicken breast (about 1 kg)
- 7 red peppers (choose larger and meatier ones)
- 2 medium onions
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable seasoning
- ½ cup of risotto (preferably round grain)
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 liter of water

Preparing the filling

1. Preparing the chicken breast: Cut the chicken breast into small pieces so that it can be easily minced. A quick option is to use a food processor to achieve a uniform consistency.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a bowl, add the minced meat, finely chopped onion, the two eggs, salt and pepper to taste, well-washed risotto, finely chopped parsley (keeping the stems), and a few tablespoons of tomato paste. Mix everything with a spatula until the ingredients are well combined.

Preparing the peppers

1. Cleaning the peppers: Wash the peppers well and remove the stems, keeping them to use as “lids” for the filling. This will give your dish an appealing look.

2. Filling the peppers: Use a spoon to fill each pepper with the chicken and risotto mixture, being careful not to overfill them to avoid spilling during cooking. Place the “lid” on each pepper with the previously kept stem.

Arranging in the pot

1. Preparing the pot: On the bottom of a large pot, place the remaining parsley stems, which will add flavor to the dish. Then add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste for an intense taste.

2. Arranging the peppers: Place the stuffed peppers in the pot, ensuring they stand upright and stable. This will prevent them from breaking during cooking.

3. Adding water: Pour 1 liter of water into the pot, making sure the water level is one finger below the top of the peppers. This will allow even cooking of the peppers without completely covering them with water.

Cooking the peppers

1. Boiling: Place the lid on the pot and let the peppers boil over medium heat for about 45 minutes until the risotto is fully cooked and the peppers are tender.

2. Checking the cooking: After 30 minutes, check the dish to ensure the peppers are not overcooked. You can use a fork to check if they are tender enough.

Serving

Once the peppers are ready, carefully remove them from the pot and place them on a platter. You can decorate them with sliced cherry tomatoes and fresh parsley for an attractive appearance. These stuffed peppers can be served alongside low-fat yogurt, sour cream, or a simple sauce based on tomato paste and onion, which will add a note of freshness and a special taste.

Variations and suggestions

If you want to experiment, you can add other ingredients to the filling, such as feta cheese or olives for a more intense flavor. You can also replace the chicken breast with turkey or a vegetarian option using mushrooms and fresh vegetables.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, while red peppers are full of vitamins, especially vitamin C. Risotto, although considered a carbohydrate, provides energy and, if prepared correctly, can be a healthy option.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use peppers of other colors?
Of course! Green or yellow peppers are just as good, but their taste may be slightly different.

2. How can I store leftovers?
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. What other dishes can I make with the leftover ingredients?
You can use the leftover filling to make meatballs or to fill tortillas for burritos.

I hope you enjoy this recipe for stuffed peppers with chicken breast and risotto. It is an excellent choice for a family meal or to impress friends. Enjoy your meal!