Stuffed Peppers Cajun-style

Stuffed Peppers Cajun-style Recipe | USA | Ingredients: Green Bell Peppers, Ground Lean Beef, Kidney Beans, and More

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 8

Introduction

Stuffed Peppers Cajun-style is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with the comfort of a classic stuffed pepper. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its unique twist on a traditional dish.

History

Stuffed peppers have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries, with variations found in cuisines around the world. The Cajun-style twist on this classic recipe adds a spicy kick and bold flavors that are characteristic of Cajun cooking.

Ingredients

8 green bell peppers
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1.5 lb (680 g) ground lean beef
1 clove garlic, mashed
1 tbsp chili powder
1 can (1 lb (454 g) can) kidney beans, well drained
1 egg, well beaten
1.5 tsp salt
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup minced onion
0.5 cup tomato sauce
0.25 cup chopped pimento
0.5 cup dry bread crumbs
8 strips bacon
0.5 cup sauterne wine
0.5 cup water

How to prepare

Slice the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds.
Cook the cornmeal in the water and Sauterne until it becomes a mush (add more water if necessary).
Spoon the mush into the peppers, spreading it to line each pepper.
Combine the remaining ingredients, except bacon, and blend well. Stuff the mixture into each pepper.
Place the peppers side by side in a shallow pan and top with bacon strips.
Add water to the pan.
Bake, uncovered, in a preheated moderate oven (325°F or 163°C).
Cook for 1 hour, or until done.
Serve hot.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the lean beef for a lighter option.
Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos to the stuffing mixture for extra flavor and heat.
Top the stuffed peppers with shredded cheese before baking for a gooey and cheesy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the cornmeal until it becomes a mush to ensure that it lines the peppers properly.

- Be sure to drain the kidney beans well to prevent excess liquid in the stuffing mixture.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.

- Baking the stuffed peppers uncovered allows the bacon to crisp up and adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Stuffed Peppers Cajun-style with a side of rice or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the stuffed peppers in a moderate oven allows the flavors to meld together and the peppers to soften to perfection.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe by swapping out ingredients to suit your taste preferences. You can use different types of beans, meats, or vegetables in the stuffing mixture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This makes for a convenient and time-saving meal option.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the stuffed peppers on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of hot sauce for a visually appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Stuffed Peppers Cajun-style with a glass of red wine or a cold beer to complement the bold flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers 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 Stuffed Peppers Cajun-style contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Stuffed Peppers Cajun-style contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Stuffed Peppers Cajun-style contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Stuffed Peppers Cajun-style contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Stuffed Peppers Cajun-style is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the bread crumbs and may contain allergens such as soy from the tomato sauce.

Summary

Stuffed Peppers Cajun-style is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Stuffed Peppers Cajun-style is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With its bold flavors and unique twist on a classic recipe, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Lorraine in her cozy little kitchen. Lorraine was known for her Cajun cooking, and she had promised to teach me one of her most prized recipes - Stuffed Peppers Cajun-style.

As we gathered the ingredients and prepared our workspace, Lorraine began to share the story behind this special recipe. She told me that she had learned it from her own grandmother, who had brought it with her when she moved from Louisiana to our small town many years ago. The recipe had been passed down through the generations, and Lorraine was now passing it on to me.

We started by preparing the peppers - cutting off the tops and scooping out the seeds and membranes. Lorraine taught me to blanch the peppers in boiling water for a few minutes to soften them slightly. Meanwhile, we cooked a mixture of ground beef, rice, onions, celery, and a blend of Cajun spices in a skillet until everything was well combined and flavorful.

Once the filling was ready, we carefully stuffed each pepper with a generous portion of the mixture. Lorraine explained that the key to a good Stuffed Peppers Cajun-style was to pack the filling tightly and top each pepper with a dollop of tomato sauce before baking them in the oven.

As the peppers baked, the aroma of the spices filled the kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish. When they were finally ready, we sat down at the table and dug into the piping hot peppers. The flavors were incredible - spicy, savory, and comforting all at once. Lorraine smiled at me as I took my first bite, knowing that I had learned a valuable recipe that would become a favorite in my own kitchen.

After that day, I made Stuffed Peppers Cajun-style many times for my family and friends. Each time, I thought of Lorraine and her grandmother, and the special bond we shared through our love of cooking. I added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different spices and fillings to make it my own.

Years passed, and I became known in our community for my delicious Stuffed Peppers Cajun-style. People would often ask me for the recipe, and I would gladly share it with them, passing on the tradition that had been handed down to me by Lorraine.

To this day, whenever I make Stuffed Peppers Cajun-style, I think back to that summer day in Lorraine's kitchen and the warmth and friendship that surrounded us as we shared our love of cooking. The memory of discovering this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.