Prepare to transform your dinner table with a mouthwatering dish that combines the earthy richness of mushrooms, the wholesome goodness of rice, and the vibrant crunch of green peppers. These Mushroom Stuffing Stuffed Green Peppers are not just a meal – they're a culinary adventure that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! Whether you're looking for a hearty vegetarian main course or a show-stopping side dish, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and tantalize your taste buds with every single bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 green bell peppers
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Wash the green bell peppers thoroughly. Cut the tops off and remove the seeds and membranes, creating hollow pepper vessels for stuffing.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and chopped mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown.
- Stir in the cooked rice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to create a well-seasoned stuffing mixture.
- Carefully fill each green pepper with the mushroom rice stuffing, pressing gently to ensure even distribution.
- Place the stuffed peppers upright in the prepared baking dish. If needed, trim the bottom slightly to help them stand stable.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.
- Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to allow the pepper tops to slightly brown and crisp.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose firm, fresh green peppers with flat bottoms to ensure they stand upright during baking.
- For extra flavor, consider using a mix of wild and button mushrooms to add depth to your stuffing.
- Pre-cooking the rice helps prevent a soggy stuffing and ensures perfect texture.
- Don't overfill the peppers – leave a little space at the top to allow for even cooking.
- If you want a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
- Let the peppers rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and make them easier to serve.
- For a protein boost, you can add ground meat or plant-based protein to the stuffing mixture.
- Experiment with different herbs like parsley or basil for varied flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
