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

  1. Preheat the oven to 375.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Bake until the panko and peppers are browned around the edges, 8-10 minutes. Serve with lime wedges.

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