ITALIAN PEPPERS RECIPES

Steps:

• Start by rinsing peppers under cold water.
• If you decide to cook them whole simply skip to the next step. Otherwise using a small sharp knife cut of the top with the stem. Remove the seeds. You can speed up cleaning process by cutting the top part a quarter of an inch lower from the stem. This helps remove the seeds faster.Rinse peppers again in cold water to remove any remaining seeds.
• In a large pan add generous amount of extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves and peperoncino. Cook for 2-3 minutes. At this point you can add a couple of anchovies (optional) and stir until dissolved.
• Add Italian frying peppers (whole or previously deseeded).
• Cook on high heat for a few minutes then reduce to medium and cover with a lid. Cook for about 15 minutes or until tender.
• Peppers should release enough juice while in the pan but feel free to add some water if the pan is getting too dry.
• Once peppers are cooked add basil leaves, a splash of vinegar (see notes) and salt to taste. Give another good stir. Let vinegar evaporate and turn the heat off.
• Serve with freshly ground black pepper or top them with crumbled feta cheese.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a roasting pan (large enough to accommodate 8 pepper halves in a single layer) with cooking spray.
• Combine the ground sirloin, Italian sausage, brown rice, Italian seasonings, salt, pepper, garlic, Parmesan cheese, egg, and 1/2 cup Classico® Tomato & Basil sauce in a large bowl. Mix until combined.
• Divide meat mixture evenly among the green pepper halves; press to compress slightly. Arrange halves in prepared pan. Spoon the remaining Classico® Tomato & Basil sauce onto the tops of the meat and peppers. Cover tightly with foil.
• Bake until the peppers are soft and internal temperature of the meat reaches 165 degrees F, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Remove from oven. Remove foil and top each pepper with shredded cheese.
• Turn oven to broil. Place peppers, uncovered under the broiler. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley.