Stuffed mini peppers pack a lot of flavor
Lunchbox peppers are not too small to stuff
When I was growing up, my mother made stuffed bell peppers frequently. Large green sweet peppers filled with seasoned ground beef, onions and rice covered with tomato sauce and baked — I loved them.
However, over time, I became less a fan of green bell peppers, favoring yellow, red and orange, and leaning toward a lighter, more-healthy filling.
A few years ago, cute little bell peppers appeared at farmers markets called lunchbox peppers. As you can imagine, these mini-sized peppers are perfect for snacking and make a great addition to lunch boxes. They require little prep, only needing a quick rinse.
The first time I saw them, I immediately thought of stuffing them but rather than using a mix that I grew up with, I wanted something a little different. I raided my cookbook collection and discovered this recipe.
These protein-packed peppers are a perfect afterschool snack, as a light dinner served with a big green salad or for football watching.
The original recipe calls for the peppers to be served whole, making a vertical slit then a cross- cut to clean out the seeds and stuff with a small amount of the filling. I found this was way
too frustrating and impossible for me to make happen, so I cut the peppers in half. Not only was the process much easier, I think they look pretty when presented.
As the pepper season winds down, next time you’re at the market, see if you can get your hands on a basket or two. I’ve also spotted them at several grocery stores. If you can not find lunchbox peppers, look for small bell peppers. You will not need as many peppers, be sure to increase cooking time, they’ll be equally delicious.
This is a great recipe if you find yourself with leftover rotisserie chicken. Play around with adding other flavors such as smoked paprika, cumin or cayenne pepper.
This recipe can easily be doubled.
Carolyn Jensen is a culinary explorer who is devoted to shopping farmers’ markets for locally sourced, extraordinary and seasonal foods. She shares her weekly bounty through photos, tips and recipes on Instagramat gatherweekly. Contact her at jensencarolyn@ comcast.net.