Italian Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers Recipe

Ingredients

Cut the tops off 4 large Cubanelle peppers and remove seeds and membranes.

To make this recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients that will add flavor and texture to your Italian Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

Cubanelle peppers: You’ll need 4 large Cubanelle peppers for this recipe. These mild, sweet peppers have a slightly crunchy texture and a delicate flavor that pairs well with Italian seasonings.
Ricotta cheese: One cup of ricotta cheese is necessary to add creaminess and richness to your stuffed peppers. Look for whole-milk ricotta for the best flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese: A half cup of grated Parmesan cheese will add a salty, nutty flavor to your stuffed peppers. You can also use other hard cheeses like Pecorino or Romano if you prefer.
Italian seasonings: One tablespoon of Italian seasoning blend is necessary to give your stuffed peppers their authentic Italian flavor. You can mix together oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary to create a similar blend at home.
Garlic powder: Add a pinch of garlic powder to enhance the flavor of your ricotta cheese mixture.
Ground beef or sausage: You can use either ground beef or Italian sausage for this recipe. If using sausage, make sure it’s sliced into thin pieces before browning.
Olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil is necessary to prevent the peppers from sticking together and to add flavor to your stuffed peppers.

Once you have these ingredients on hand, follow the instructions below to prepare and bake your Italian Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers.

Fill a medium saucepan with salted water, bring to a boil, then blanch peppers for 5 minutes.

When it comes to preparing the delicious Italian Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers, the first step involves selecting and preparing the main ingredients, specifically the peppers themselves.

Cubanelle peppers are a type of sweet pepper that is typically long and narrow in shape, with a slightly pointed end. They have a delicate flavor and a firm texture that makes them an excellent choice for stuffing.

For this recipe, you’ll need about 4-6 Cubanelle peppers, depending on their size. It’s essential to choose peppers that are similar in size so that they cook evenly.

The next step involves preparing the filling ingredients, which typically include a mixture of ground beef or pork, cooked rice, tomato sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.

Begin by cooking the ground meat in a pan until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Then, add the cooked rice, tomato sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese to the pan and stir well to combine.

The peppers need to be blanched before they’re stuffed with the filling mixture. To do this, fill a medium saucepan with salted water and bring it to a boil.

Once the water is boiling, carefully place the Cubanelle peppers into the pot and cook for 5 minutes. This will help loosen the skin of the peppers, making them easier to stuff.

Instructions

In a skillet over medium heat, cook 4 slices of prosciutto until crispy.

When it comes to following instructions, there are several key elements that can make a significant difference in achieving successful results. In the context of cooking, particularly with recipes like the Italian Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers, the ability to understand and execute instructions accurately is crucial.

The first step, “in a skillet over medium heat, cook 4 slices of prosciutto until crispy,” is an excellent example of this. To start, it’s essential to ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients and tools at your disposal. In this case, you will need a skillet, olive oil or other suitable cooking fat, and of course, the prosciutto.

Before commencing, always check the temperature of your stove, as medium heat can vary between different models and types. A good rule of thumb is to use the “butter melt” method; when you place a small pat of butter on the skillet, it should melt relatively quickly but not immediately. This confirms that your stovetop is at a suitable temperature.

Next, carefully lay four slices of prosciutto in the skillet, ensuring they don’t overlap or touch each other. The even distribution of heat is crucial for achieving uniform crispiness.

Now, here’s where patience comes into play. The cooking time will depend on several factors, including the thickness of your prosciutto and the temperature of your stove. Generally, it will take around 5 to 7 minutes for the prosciutto to reach a crispy texture. You can test this by lifting one of the slices with tongs or a spatula; if it’s still soft and pliable, continue cooking in short intervals until you achieve the desired crispiness.

It’s also worth noting that not all types of prosciutto are created equal. For optimal results, choose high-quality, thinly sliced prosciutto for this recipe. The thinner slices will cook more evenly, ensuring a delightful crunch on the outside and a tender texture within.

In conclusion, following instructions accurately requires attention to detail and patience. By carefully understanding each step and adhering to these guidelines, you can create truly exceptional dishes like Italian Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers, where every component is elevated by precision and care.

Add 1 small onion, finely chopped and cook until softened.

When it comes to cooking, having clear and concise instructions can make all the difference between a dish turning out perfectly and a culinary disaster. In this case, let’s dive into the world of Italian Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers and explore the importance of following instructions.

In order to create these delicious stuffed peppers, it’s essential to start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This is a crucial step as it ensures that your peppers are cooked evenly and at the right temperature. While your oven is heating up, you can begin preparing the ingredients for your filling.

The recipe calls for fresh Cubanelle peppers, which should be washed and dried before being seeded and chopped into bite-sized pieces. These peppers have a sweet and slightly smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients in the dish.

In addition to the peppers, you’ll need to chop an onion and cook it until softened. To do this, heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the chopped onion. Cook until it’s translucent and starting to caramelize, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial as it brings out the natural sweetness of the onion and adds depth to the dish.

While the onion is cooking, you can prepare the rest of the filling ingredients. These typically include a combination of ground beef or sausage, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. Mix these ingredients together in a bowl until they’re well combined, then set aside.

Once the onion is softened, add it to the filling mixture along with some chopped fresh parsley and basil. Stir until everything is well combined, then stuff each pepper with the filling mixture. Place the peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re tender and lightly browned.

Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These Italian Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers make a delicious main course or side dish that’s sure to impress your friends and family. By following these instructions carefully, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s both flavorful and visually appealing.

Cook 2 cloves of garlic for 1 minute, then add 8 oz ricotta cheese, stirring to combine.

To follow the instructions for cooking Italian Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers, it is crucial to understand the importance of each step in achieving a delicious and authentic dish.

Firstly, let’s focus on the initial step of cooking 2 cloves of garlic for 1 minute. This task requires some attention to detail, as the timing is key to ensuring that the garlic is soft and fragrant without being burnt or overpowering the rest of the dish.

The process involves placing the garlic cloves in a pan over medium heat, allowing them to simmer gently for 1 minute while stirring occasionally. This brief cooking time helps to mellow out the harshness of raw garlic, releasing its natural oils and flavor compounds into the air.

Once the garlic has reached the desired level of softness, it’s essential to add the ricotta cheese. For this recipe, you will need 8 oz of high-quality ricotta cheese that is creamy and smooth in texture.

To combine the cooked garlic with the ricotta cheese, use a spatula or spoon to gently stir the mixture until well combined. Be careful not to overmix the cheese, as this can result in an unappealing consistency. Instead, aim for a smooth and even distribution of flavors throughout the mixture.

Now that we have covered the initial steps of cooking garlic and combining it with ricotta cheese, let’s take a look at what comes next. In our Italian Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers recipe, we will be filling roasted peppers with this garlic-ricotta mixture, along with some additional ingredients such as parsley, mozzarella cheese, and breadcrumbs.

Here is a step-by-step guide to completing the recipe:

Roast the Cubanelle peppers in the oven until tender and slightly charred. Let them cool down before slicing open and removing the seeds and membranes.
Fill each roasted pepper with a portion of the garlic-ricotta mixture, followed by a sprinkle of parsley, mozzarella cheese, and breadcrumbs.
Cover the peppers with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Assembly

Scoop pepper insides into a bowl with the cooked prosciutto mixture and stir to combine.

The next step in preparing the Italian Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers recipe involves combining the cooked prosciutto mixture with the scoop pepper insides. To do this, carefully remove some or all of the seeds and membranes from each pepper half, depending on your desired level of heat and flavor.

Scoop the tender flesh of the peppers into a large bowl, being sure to get as much of the flavorful pulp and juice as possible. This will help add depth and richness to the finished dish.

Once you have all of the pepper insides in the bowl, it’s time to add the cooked prosciutto mixture. This mixture, made with crispy prosciutto, garlic, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, has already been cooked to perfection in a pan until golden brown and fragrant.

Take your cooked prosciutto mixture and gently fold it into the pepper insides until everything is well combined. Be gentle when folding so as not to break down the delicate texture of the peppers or the prosciutto.

The mixture should start to take on a uniform color and consistency, with the slightly sweet flavor of the peppers balancing out the savory, umami taste of the prosciutto. This is what you want for your Italian Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers – a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds.

At this point, you can either use the pepper mixture immediately in the recipe or refrigerate it overnight to allow the flavors to meld together even further. Whichever option you choose, be sure to fill the peppers halves with the mixture carefully, making sure not to overstuff them and make them difficult to serve.

Now that your pepper insides are combined with the prosciutto mixture, it’s time to move on to the next step in preparing the Italian Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers recipe. You can either proceed with baking the peppers in a preheated oven until tender and caramelized or grill them over medium heat for a smoky, charred flavor.

Whatever method you choose, be sure to keep an eye on the peppers as they cook, as the cooking time may vary depending on their size and the temperature of your oven or grill. You want to end up with peppers that are tender, flavorful, and slightly caramelized – the perfect accompaniment to a hearty Italian meal.

Stuff each pepper with the cheesy mixture and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

To assemble this delicious Italian Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers recipe, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the peppers

Select 4-6 Cubanelle peppers and trim the tops off each one.
Gently remove the seeds and membranes from inside the peppers, taking care not to tear them.
Rinse the peppers under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Prepare the cheesy mixture

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil, and 1 minced garlic clove to the bowl. Mix again until combined.

Step 3: Stuff each pepper with the cheesy mixture

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheesy mixture into the cavity of each prepared pepper.
Mound the filling slightly in the center, making sure to leave a small border around the edges.

Step 4: Top with shredded mozzarella cheese

This will add an extra layer of creaminess and flavor to your dish.

Now that you’ve assembled the peppers, it’s time to bake them in the oven! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy your delicious Italian Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers!