Sweet Italian Pepper Poppers
(from castro15’s recipe box)
Use leftovers from Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Green Vegetable Succotash and Basmati Rice Pilaf
Categories: Meals
Ingredients
- 1 lb. mini tricolor sweet Italian peppers
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 cup minced sweet onion
- 1 tsp thyme leaves
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups reserved pulled Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder
- 1 cup reserved Basmati Rice Pilaf
- 1 cup whipped cream cheese
- 1 cup Provolone, grated
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp. chopped parsley
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- Black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375.
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To prepare the peppers for stuffing, use a paring knife to cut out a lengthwise strip to create a long opening. Repeat with the remaining peppers, reserving the pepper strips. Carefully remove the membranes and seeds from inside of each pepper, then arrange the peppers cut side up on a rimmed baking sheet. Dice the pepper strips and set aside.
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To prepare the filling, in a large saute pan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil until hot. Add the diced peppers, onion, thyme, and 1 tsp of the salt and saute until the onion is translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Set aside to cool.
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In a large bowl, combine the pork, rice, cream cheese, cooled onion mixture, Provolone, egg, parsley, chili flakes, remaining salt, and the black pepper. Mix well.
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Using a teaspoon, stuff each pepper with a generous amount of the filling so it domes on top of the pepper. Sprinkle with the panko.
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Bake until the panko and peppers are browned around the edges, 8-10 minutes. Serve with lime wedges.