Vegetarian Stuffed Red Peppers with Pesto & Ricotta Cheese
Description
Vegetarian Stuffed Red Peppers with Pesto & Ricotta Cheese, also known as Stuffed Capsicum in India, is a delectable and elegant dish perfect for any occasion. The rich flavors of creamy ricotta cheese, briny black olives, and aromatic homemade basil pesto combine to create a stuffing that will tantalize your taste buds. The sweetness and juiciness from the red bell peppers, paired with the spiced ricotta filling, make this dish a crowd-pleaser. Whether served hot or cold, it makes a delightful appetizer for holiday parties or casual gatherings, and pairs wonderfully with other appetizers like Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms and Mixed Vegetable Dry Manchurian. This dish is an ideal vegetarian option that will impress your guests with its taste and presentation.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 4, halved from the stem (makes 8 pieces) |
| Ricotta Cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Black Olives | 1/2 cup, pitted and chopped |
| Homemade Basil Pesto | 1 tablespoon (or sundried tomato pesto) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Cayenne Pepper | To taste |
Allergen Information
- Contains dairy (ricotta cheese).
- Olives may trigger allergies in some individuals who are sensitive to certain foods.
- This recipe is gluten-free as long as no gluten-containing ingredients are added during preparation.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian: This dish is suitable for vegetarians as it does not contain any animal products aside from dairy.
- Gluten-Free: The ingredients do not contain gluten, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Low in Carbs: Red bell peppers are naturally low in carbs, making this dish a great choice for those following a low-carb diet.
Preparation Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (392°F). This ensures that your peppers bake evenly and achieve the perfect golden-brown edges.
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Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped black olives, homemade basil pesto, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the ricotta is well-seasoned and the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust salt and spice levels to your preference.
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Prepare the Peppers: Slice each red bell pepper in half from the stem down, removing the seeds and inner membranes. This will create a cavity to fill with your delicious ricotta mixture.
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Stuff the Peppers: Coat a baking sheet or tray with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent the peppers from sticking. Take spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture and stuff each red pepper half generously. You want to fill each pepper to the brim to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.
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Secure the Peppers: Gently fold the edges of the pepper halves together to form a slight enclosure around the filling. To hold them in place, insert two toothpicks through the sides of each stuffed pepper. This helps the peppers retain their shape during baking.
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Bake: Place the stuffed peppers on the prepared baking sheet, with the open side facing up. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the skin of the peppers wrinkles and the edges become slightly golden brown.
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Serve: Once the peppers are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and discard the toothpicks. Transfer the stuffed peppers to a platter and serve immediately. You can serve them hot or cold—both options are equally delicious!
Tips & Advise
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Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with the filling by adding other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or fresh herbs. The ricotta cheese provides a creamy base, so feel free to adapt the stuffing to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
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Presentation: To elevate the presentation, garnish the stuffed peppers with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of extra pesto just before serving. This adds a beautiful visual contrast and enhances the pesto flavor.
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Make-Ahead Option: This recipe can be prepared ahead of time. Stuff the peppers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it an excellent choice for busy holiday parties or gatherings where you want to spend more time with guests and less time in the kitchen.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve these stuffed peppers with a variety of complementary appetizers like Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms with Onion Parmesan & Herbs, or a flavorful Mixed Vegetable Dry Manchurian for a well-rounded meal. You can also pair them with a fresh salad or a side of garlic bread for a more substantial meal.
Conclusion
Vegetarian Stuffed Red Peppers with Pesto & Ricotta Cheese are an irresistible appetizer that combines fresh, vibrant ingredients with a creamy, flavorful filling. This dish is perfect for any vegetarian or gluten-free gathering and will certainly impress your guests with its elegant presentation and bold flavors. Whether you serve them hot or cold, they are sure to be a hit at your next holiday party or dinner gathering. Simple to make yet packed with flavor, this recipe is a must-try for any lover of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
