Sweet and Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cherries

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Imagine biting into a bell pepper that’s bursting with flavor and a delightful twist of sweetness from cherries. This dish takes the classic stuffed pepper and adds a unique touch that will surprise and satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a fun weeknight meal, these stuffed bell peppers are sure to impress.

These stuffed bell peppers are not just visually appealing but also incredibly versatile. You can customize the filling to your liking, making it a perfect recipe for using up leftover grains or proteins. Plus, the combination of savory ingredients with the natural sweetness of cherries creates a taste sensation that’s both refreshing and comforting.

Elevate Your Dinner with Stuffed Bell Peppers and Cherries

Stuffed bell peppers are a delightful way to present a meal that is both visually stunning and satisfying. These colorful vegetables offer a perfect vessel for a combination of hearty ingredients, including ground meat, quinoa, and a surprising twist of sweet cherries.

The blend of flavors in this dish is remarkable. The savory notes from the meat and spices meld beautifully with the natural sweetness of the cherries, creating a balanced taste experience. Topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh parsley, these peppers become a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Preparing the Ingredients

The process begins by selecting vibrant bell peppers in your favorite colors—red, yellow, or green—all contribute to a beautiful presentation. These peppers are not only visually appealing but also provide essential nutrients.

Chopped onions and minced garlic serve as the aromatic base of the filling, adding depth to the dish. The addition of quinoa or rice enhances the texture, making each bite hearty and wholesome. Moreover, using pitted cherries in the mix introduces an element of surprise, offering bursts of sweetness that contrast with the savory components.

Cooking Technique: Layering Flavors

Start by sautéing the onions and garlic until they are fragrant, then incorporate the ground meat, allowing it to brown fully. This step is crucial, as it builds the foundation of flavor for the filling.

Once the meat is cooked, blend in the cooked grains and cherries along with seasonings like oregano and basil. This mixture not only ensures the filling is packed with flavor but also provides a delightful crunch and sweetness from the cherries that perfectly balances the dish.

Stuffing the Peppers

Carefully hollow out the bell peppers and fill them with the savory mixture. It’s important to pack the filling gently to avoid any tears in the pepper. If desired, a sprinkle of cheese on top can transform the dish, adding creaminess and a golden finish once baked.

When arranging the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, adding a splash of water at the bottom helps create steam, keeping the peppers tender and juicy throughout the baking process.

Baking to Perfection

Once the peppers are in the oven, cover them with foil to retain moisture. After about 25-30 minutes, remove the foil to allow the cheese to bubble and brown, creating an enticing visual and aromatic appeal.

The end result is a plate of stuffed peppers that not only look inviting but also promise a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The combination of melted cheese on top and the rustic, earthy tones of the wooden table set a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation

When ready to serve, garnish the stuffed peppers with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. The whole cherries scattered around the plate not only enhance the aesthetic but also offer a rich, juicy contrast to the warm, savory peppers.

This dish serves beautifully as a main course, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Its ability to impress with both taste and presentation makes it a versatile addition to any meal plan.

Elevate Your Dinner with Stuffed Bell Peppers and Cherries

These stuffed bell peppers are a colorful medley of fresh ingredients and are packed with a mix of savory ground meat, grains, and the unexpected sweetness of cherries. The result is a dish that hits all the right notes – slightly smoky, sweet, and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 pound ground turkey or beef
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
• 1 cup pitted cherries, chopped (fresh or frozen)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Set aside.
3. Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in the cooked quinoa or rice, chopped cherries, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the Peppers: Carefully spoon the filling mixture into each bell pepper, packing it gently. If using, sprinkle cheese on top of each filled pepper.
5. Bake: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Add a splash of water to the bottom of the dish to create steam. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 300kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g