Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of India? These mouthwatering stuffed bell peppers are not just a dish, they're an experience that combines the creamy richness of paneer cheese with the aromatic spices of traditional Indian cooking. Imagine biting into a perfectly roasted pepper, filled with a delectable mixture of fluffy rice, tender green peas, and crumbled paneer, seasoned with warming garam masala and cumin – it's like a flavor explosion in every single bite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 cup paneer cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1/4 cup green peas
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the bell peppers thoroughly and carefully slice off their tops. Remove seeds and membranes, creating a hollow cavity for stuffing.
- In a mixing bowl, crumble the paneer cheese and combine with cooked rice, green peas, cumin seeds, garam masala, and salt. Mix ingredients thoroughly to create a uniform stuffing.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Gently stuff each bell pepper with the paneer and rice mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure even filling. Leave a small space at the top to prevent overflow during baking.
- Place the stuffed peppers upright on the prepared baking sheet. If needed, trim the bottom slightly to help them stand stable.
- Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the peppers to help them roast and develop a golden color.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until peppers are tender and slightly charred at the edges.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves before serving.
- Serve hot as a main dish or appetizer, optionally with a side of yogurt or mint chutney.
Tips
- Choose bell peppers that are firm and have a flat bottom to ensure they stand upright during baking.
- For extra flavor, try using homemade paneer or a high-quality store-bought version.
- Don't overstuff the peppers – leave a little room at the top to prevent spillage.
- If you want a crispy top, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or extra cheese before the final few minutes of baking.
- For a protein boost, you can add some finely chopped nuts or cooked lentils to the stuffing mixture.
- Make sure to drizzle olive oil to help the peppers roast evenly and develop a beautiful golden color.
- Let the peppers rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle and make them easier to handle.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
