Stuffed Bell Peppers with a Filipino-American Twist

Ingredients

In this Filipino-American adaptation of Ardei umpluţi, we incorporate the bold flavors of Filipino cuisine. The original Romanian dish typically includes ingredients like ground meat, rice, onions, and herbs. However, we enhance the flavor profile by adding Filipino ingredients such as soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. These additions infuse the dish with a unique and irresistible taste that sets it apart from the traditional version. We alse have the original recipe for Ardei umpluţi, so you can check it out.

• 6 bell peppers, any color 6 bell peppers, any color
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 cup (200g) cooked rice 1 cup (200g) cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 23g, 4g
• Protein: 27g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse the peppers under cold water and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, grated ginger, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. 4.
   Stuff each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, pressing it down gently to fill the peppers completely.
5. 5.
   In a baking dish, mix together the tomato sauce and beef broth. Place the stuffed bell peppers in the dish, standing upright.
6. 6.
   Drizzle the vegetable oil over the tops of the peppers.
7. 7.
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. 8.
   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
9. 9.
   Serve the stuffed bell peppers hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bell peppers — Choose bell peppers that are firm and have a vibrant color. The different colors (red, yellow, orange, or green) will add visual appeal to the dish.
• Ground beef — Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish. If desired, you can also use ground chicken or turkey as a healthier alternative.
• Soy sauce — Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to reduce the sodium content of the dish.
• Ginger — Fresh ginger adds a bright and zesty flavor. Grate it finely for a smoother texture in the filling.
• Tomato sauce — Look for a tomato sauce that is free from added sugars or preservatives for a healthier option.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling mixture.
• Serve the stuffed bell peppers with a side of steamed white rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a meat substitute of your choice.
• Customize the filling by adding diced vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn for extra texture and flavor.
• Leftover stuffed bell peppers can be refrigerated and enjoyed as a delicious cold snack the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Fiery Fusion: Filipino-American Stuffed Bell Peppers as a main course accompanied by steamed rice and a side of pickled vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an added burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed bell peppers on a platter, ensuring they are standing upright to showcase their vibrant colors. Drizzle some of the tomato sauce from the baking dish over the peppers for an appetizing presentation. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top for an elegant touch.