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Stuffed Orange Peppers resembling Jack-o'-Lanterns

This dish features bright orange bell peppers hollowed out and filled with a seasoned mixture of cooked grains, vegetables, and herbs. The peppers are baked until tender and the filling is heated through, resulting in a colorful, festive presentation with a savory flavor profile and a hearty texture. The final dish resembles carved pumpkins, making it perfect for Halloween celebrations.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large orange bell peppers choose firm peppers for carving
  • 1 cup cooked rice or cooked quinoa for a different texture
  • 1 cup diced vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, bell peppers
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Monterey Jack work well
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Spoon
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the peppers and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes, creating hollow pumpkin-like shells. Place the hollowed peppers upside down on a paper towel to drain excess moisture.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, diced vegetables, shredded cheese, ground cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well blended.
  3. Drizzle the inside of each pepper with olive oil and gently rub to coat the interior evenly. Fill each pepper with the prepared rice mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling without overflowing.
  4. Stand the stuffed peppers upright on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, arranging them so they sit steadily.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, until the peppers are tender and slightly caramelized around the edges. The cheese should be melted and bubbling.
  6. Remove the peppers from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Carefully cut a small, grinning face into each pepper, mimicking a jack-o'-lantern's carved features.
  7. Serve the stuffed pumpkin-shaped peppers warm, displaying their festive, carved faces. They are ready to be enjoyed as a visual centerpiece and hearty main dish.

Notes

For extra spookiness, add small cheese eyes or a nose before baking for a more expressive face.