Cheddar and Pumpkin-stuffed Peppers

Cheddar and Pumpkin-stuffed Peppers Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4-8

Introduction

Cheddar and Pumpkin-stuffed Peppers are a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of sharp cheddar cheese, ground veal, and cooked pumpkin. These stuffed peppers are perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Stuffed peppers have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. The combination of meat, cheese, and vegetables stuffed inside a bell pepper creates a flavorful and satisfying meal. This recipe puts a unique twist on the classic stuffed pepper by adding sharp cheddar cheese and pumpkin for a rich and creamy filling.

Ingredients

8 bell peppers of your choice
1 cup (250 ml) grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 lb (500 g) ground veal
1.5 cup (375 ml) cooked pumpkin pulp
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped parsley
1 cup (250 ml) cooked brown rice, cooked al dente
4 tbsp (50 ml) white wine
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh chives
2 beaten eggs
salt and pepper
vegetable broth

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the top off of each bell pepper.
Trim the peppers and set them aside.
In a large bowl, combine sharp cheddar cheese with the remaining ingredients, except for the broth.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Mix well.
Stuff each pepper with the meat mixture.
Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and pour in enough broth to come 0.5 inch (1 cm) up the side.
Bake for 35 minutes or until the meat is well done.
Remove from the oven and let them stand for 5 minutes.
Serve 1 to 2 stuffed peppers per person.
Serve with steamed broccoli and cucumber salad with creamy fennel dressing.

Variations

Substitute ground beef or turkey for the ground veal.
Use different types of cheese such as mozzarella or Gouda.
Add in other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the filling mixture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the brown rice al dente so it doesn't become mushy when baked in the peppers.

- Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a bold flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

- Be sure to season the meat mixture well with salt and pepper for a flavorful filling.

- Pouring vegetable broth into the baking dish helps keep the peppers moist while baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cheddar and Pumpkin-stuffed Peppers with steamed broccoli and cucumber salad with creamy fennel dressing for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the stuffed peppers in the oven ensures that the meat is cooked through and the flavors are well blended.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ground veal, you can use ground beef, turkey, or chicken as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just be sure to add the vegetable broth before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the stuffed peppers on a platter garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cheddar and Pumpkin-stuffed Peppers pair well with a light and crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cheddar and Pumpkin-stuffed Peppers contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cheddar and Pumpkin-stuffed Peppers contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cheddar and Pumpkin-stuffed Peppers contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cheddar and Pumpkin-stuffed Peppers contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cheddar and Pumpkin-stuffed Peppers are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheddar cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Cheddar and Pumpkin-stuffed Peppers are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Cheddar and Pumpkin-stuffed Peppers are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the flavors of sharp cheddar cheese, ground veal, and cooked pumpkin. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had found tucked away in the back of my pantry. As soon as I came across the page for Cheddar and Pumpkin-stuffed Peppers, I knew I had to give it a try.

I had always been a fan of stuffed peppers, but the addition of pumpkin and cheddar cheese was a combination I had never thought of before. The recipe called for roasting the peppers until they were tender, then filling them with a mixture of sautéed onions, garlic, pumpkin puree, and a generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese. It sounded rich and comforting, perfect for a cozy fall evening.

I set to work gathering the ingredients, chopping the onions and garlic, and roasting the peppers in the oven. As the kitchen filled with the warm, earthy scent of roasting vegetables, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation building within me. I knew that this dish had the potential to become a new family favorite.

As I assembled the stuffed peppers and popped them back into the oven to bake, I couldn't help but think back to all the recipes I had learned over the years. From my own mother, who taught me the secret to a perfect pie crust, to the local farmers market where I had discovered the best way to roast a chicken, each recipe held a special place in my heart.

I thought of my grandmother, who had been my first and greatest cooking mentor. She had taught me how to make her famous apple pie, showing me the precise way to slice the apples and fold the crust just so. Her kitchen had always been a place of warmth and love, and I tried to channel that same sense of joy and creativity as I cooked.

Finally, the stuffed peppers were done, their cheesy tops golden brown and bubbling. I carefully plated them up and set them on the table, eager to see what my family thought of this new creation. As we sat down to eat, the first bite of the Cheddar and Pumpkin-stuffed Pepper sent a wave of satisfaction through me. The flavors melded together perfectly, the sweetness of the pumpkin balancing out the sharpness of the cheddar.

My husband and children all raved about the dish, each one going back for seconds and even thirds. I felt a swell of pride knowing that I had created something that brought my family together and filled their bellies with warmth and comfort.

From that day on, Cheddar and Pumpkin-stuffed Peppers became a regular part of our fall meal rotation. I made them for potlucks and holiday gatherings, always receiving compliments and requests for the recipe. It became a signature dish, a reminder of the joy and creativity that cooking brought into my life.

As the years went by, I continued to experiment with new recipes and techniques, always seeking to expand my culinary horizons. I learned to make homemade pasta from scratch, mastered the art of preserving fruits and vegetables, and even dabbled in the world of fermentation.

But no matter how many new recipes I tried, the Cheddar and Pumpkin-stuffed Peppers remained a favorite. They were a reminder of where I had started, of the joy and satisfaction that could be found in a simple meal made with love and care.

And so, as I sit here now, writing this story and reflecting on all the recipes I have learned over the years, I am grateful for the journey that cooking has taken me on. It has been a source of comfort, creativity, and connection, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow in the kitchen for many years to come.