Stuffed Bell Peppers Sonata
This Stuffed Bell Peppers Sonata is a gastronomic journey through New Orleans, blending ground beef, ham, and crabmeat inside vibrant bell peppers. It’s a symphony of flavors that encapsulates the rich history and cultural influences of New Orleans cuisine, creating a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
35 minutes
Servings
This recipe serves 6.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (453.6 g)
- Ham: 1/2 lb (226.8 g), diced
- Crabmeat: 1/2 lb (226.8 g), lump
- Bell peppers: 6 large, assorted colors
- Onion: 1 medium (about 1/2 cup or 118.3 ml), finely chopped
- Celery: 2 stalks (about 1/2 cup or 118.3 ml), finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp (5 ml)
- Cayenne pepper: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml)
- Salt: 1 tsp (5 ml)
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml)
- Olive oil: for sautéing (approx. 2 tbsp or 30 ml)
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the bell peppers by slicing off the tops and removing seeds and membranes. Blanch in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Incorporate ham, crabmeat, onion, celery, garlic, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook until everything is well combined and the meats are fully cooked.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture, packing it tightly.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until peppers are tender.
- Serve hot, ideally with rice or a fresh salad on the side.
The Stuffed Bell Peppers Sonata is a culinary masterpiece that beautifully marries the robust flavors of beef, ham, and crab with the sweet crispness of bell peppers. This dish not only pays homage to the rich cultural tapestry of New Orleans but also stands as a testament to the culinary creativity and ingenuity inherent in its cuisine. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to experience the soul of New Orleans in every bite.
Nutritional Information (Approx)
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Vitamin C: 190% DV
- Vitamin A: 45% DV
- Iron: 15% DV