This flavorful dish combines roasted vegetables with broccoli balls stuffed with mozzarella cheese, all baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a nutritious and delicious option for any meal, bursting with vibrant colors and rich flavors.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 3 tomatoes
- 1 clove of garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Italian herbs
- Olive oil
- 1 broccoli
- 1 egg
- 100g (3.52oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 tablespoons cornmeal
- 3-4 tablespoons semolina
- Mozzarella cheese, diced
- 30 ml cream
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare the vegetables: Chop the onion, carrot, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and tomatoes. Mince the garlic.
- Roast the vegetables: Place the chopped vegetables and garlic in a baking dish. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs. Drizzle with olive oil and mix well. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Prepare the broccoli: While the vegetables are roasting, cut the broccoli into florets and blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the broccoli mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the egg and season with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, cornmeal, and semolina. Mix until well combined.
- Form the broccoli balls: Take a small portion of the broccoli mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a piece of diced mozzarella cheese in the center and shape the mixture into a ball around the cheese. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Make the sauce: Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and transfer them to a blender. Add the cream and blend until smooth.
- Combine sauce and vegetables: Pour the sauce into the baking dish and stir to combine with the roasted vegetables.
- Arrange the broccoli balls: Arrange the broccoli balls in the sauce, pressing them lightly into the sauce. Top each ball with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Enjoy as a hearty vegetarian main course.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the broccoli is well-drained after blanching to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet.
- For extra flavor, you can add other herbs like basil or oregano to the sauce.
- Use a high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Broccoli: High in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamins A and C, and provide a good source of fiber.
- Tomatoes: Contain antioxidants like lycopene, and are a good source of vitamins C and K.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cornmeal and semolina substitutes.
- Low Carb: This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those watching their carb intake.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, or in the microwave.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled dish before the final bake. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavorful and Nutritious: Packed with fresh vegetables and cheesy goodness.
- Versatile: Perfect as a main course or side dish.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and readily available ingredients make this recipe accessible for all home cooks.
Conclusion:
Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delightful and nutritious dish that brings together the best of fresh vegetables and rich, cheesy flavors. This recipe is sure to impress family and friends with its vibrant presentation and delicious taste. Serve it hot and enjoy the comforting blend of roasted vegetables, creamy sauce, and cheesy broccoli balls. Enjoy!