Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Peppers Recipe: A Healthy and Flavorful Delight

When it comes to cooking, there’s always a beautiful balance between tradition and innovation. One dish that perfectly encapsulates this harmony is the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Peppers recipe. This dish is not just a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors but also a nourishment to the body, thanks to its healthy and fresh ingredients. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through how to make this delectable dish, along with tips and tricks to ensure it comes out perfect every time.

Understanding the Basics of Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Peppers

The Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Peppers recipe is a classic dish that has found its way into the hearts of many, thanks to its rich flavors and versatility. The dish involves hollowed-out bell peppers filled with a creamy mixture of spinach, ricotta, and various herbs and spices, then baked to perfection. It’s a dish that not only caters to the taste buds but also contributes significantly to your daily nutritional needs, providing a good dose of vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Ingredients List

To embark on the journey of making Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Peppers, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers, any color
• 2 cups of spinach, fresh or frozen (thawed and drained if frozen)
• 1 cup of ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 1 cup of marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Following these steps will help you create a delicious Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Peppers dish:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the right temperature by the time you’re ready to bake the peppers.
2. Prepare the bell peppers by slicing them in half from top to bottom and removing the seeds and membranes. This creates a ‘boat’ for the filling.
3. Blanch the spinach (if using fresh) in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out the excess water. This step is crucial for removing the bitterness from the spinach.
4. Combine the filling by mixing the spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a bowl until well combined.
5. Fill the peppers with the spinach and ricotta mixture, dividing it evenly among the pepper halves.
6. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and pour the marinara sauce over and around them.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
8. Add the mozzarella cheese on top of each pepper during the last 5 minutes of baking, allowing it to melt and become bubbly.
9. Let the peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together more cohesively.

Nutritional Information

One serving of Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Peppers provides approximately:

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

This dish is not only delicious but also packed