Stuffed Banana Peppers Recipe
Description: I stumbled upon this delightful recipe in a magazine about a year ago, and it’s been a staple in my kitchen ever since. These stuffed banana peppers are bursting with flavor, making them a perfect accompaniment to homemade spaghetti or any other Italian-inspired dish you have in mind. With a savory filling of Italian sausage nestled inside vibrant banana peppers, each bite is a burst of deliciousness. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting and satisfying. Serve them piping hot and watch them disappear in no time!
Recipe Category: European
Keywords: < 30 Mins, Stove Top, Easy
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 168.6 per serving
- Fat Content: 12.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 25.9mg
- Sodium Content: 554mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 4.4g
- Fiber Content: 1.6g
- Sugar Content: 1.3g
- Protein Content: 9.4g
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 10 banana peppers
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Brown Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside. |
| 2 | Prepare Peppers: Wash each banana pepper thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Cut the tops off each pepper and set them aside. Carefully remove the seeds from inside the peppers, then rinse and pat them dry with paper towels. |
| 3 | Stuff Peppers: Take each prepared banana pepper and stuff it generously with the cooked Italian sausage, ensuring each pepper is filled to the brim with flavorful goodness. |
| 4 | Secure with Toothpicks: Once stuffed, place the reserved pepper tops back on each pepper and secure them in place with toothpicks, ensuring they stay intact during cooking. This step also adds a decorative touch to your stuffed peppers. |
| 5 | Sauté Peppers: In the same skillet used to cook the sausage, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place each stuffed banana pepper in the skillet and sauté them for a few minutes on each side, or until the peppers are soft and slightly charred. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the peppers and the desired level of tenderness. |
| 6 | Drain and Serve: Once the stuffed peppers are cooked to perfection, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Remove the toothpicks before serving. These stuffed banana peppers are best enjoyed hot, alongside your favorite pasta dish or as a standalone appetizer. Bon appétit! |
Recipe Notes:
- You can customize the filling by adding ingredients like diced onions, minced garlic, or breadcrumbs for extra texture and flavor.
- For a spicier version, choose hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the Italian sausage for a mixture of cooked grains like quinoa or rice seasoned with Italian herbs and spices.
- Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these stuffed banana peppers as a flavorful side dish alongside your favorite pasta or as a tasty appetizer at your next gathering.
- Pair them with a simple salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette for a well-balanced meal.
- For a cozy dinner, serve the stuffed peppers with a side of garlic bread and a glass of red wine. The perfect combination for a satisfying Italian-inspired feast!
This stuffed banana peppers recipe is sure to become a family favorite, thanks to its simplicity, flavor, and versatility. Give it a try and elevate your dinner table with these delicious stuffed peppers! 🌶️🍝
