Stuffed Sweet Kapiya Peppers with Cheese and Walnut Filling is a light and flavorful dish perfect for an appetizer, side, or even a healthy snack. The combination of creamy cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of spice makes this dish both rich and refreshing. The peppers are roasted to perfection, filled with a mixture of soft cheese, labneh, garlic, and walnuts, then topped with a tangy lemon-olive oil sauce. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it as a quick bite, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Peppers:

Sweet Kapiya pepper: 6-7 pcs.
Soft cheese: 150 g

Curd cheese (labneh): 2 tbsp
Garlic: 1-2 cloves, minced
Chili pepper: 1 tsp (adjust to taste)

Walnuts: 2 tbsp, finely chopped
Parsley: 1 tbsp, finely chopped
Olive oil: 1-2 tbsp

Salt: To taste

For the Sauce:

Juice of half a lemon
Olive oil: 2 tbsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Roasting the Peppers: Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Wash the sweet kapiya peppers and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with a bit of olive oil and roast for about 15-20 minutes or until the skin becomes charred and the peppers are soft.
Peeling the Peppers: Once roasted, remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly. Peel off the skin gently, as it should easily come off after roasting. Make a slit down one side of each pepper and carefully remove the seeds and membranes without tearing the pepper.

Step 2: Make the Cheese-Walnut Filling

In a bowl, combine the soft cheese, curd cheese (labneh), and minced garlic. Mix well until smooth.

Add the chili pepper, finely chopped walnuts, and parsley to the cheese mixture. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Season with salt to taste, and if needed, add a drizzle of olive oil to make the filling more creamy.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

Using a spoon, carefully fill each pepper with the cheese-walnut mixture. Be generous with the filling but ensure the peppers can still close without the filling spilling out.

Arrange the stuffed peppers on a serving plate or tray.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil. This simple sauce adds a bright, tangy flavor to balance the richness of the cheese filling.
Drizzle the sauce over the stuffed peppers just before serving.

Cooking Tips

Pepper Varieties: If you can’t find kapiya peppers, you can substitute with other sweet varieties such as bell peppers or mini sweet peppers. Adjust the roasting time depending on the size of the peppers.
Cheese Options: Soft cheeses like ricotta or cream cheese can be used in place of the soft cheese. Labneh adds a tangy creaminess, but Greek yogurt or sour cream can also be used as a substitute.
Enhance the Flavor: To add an extra layer of flavor, toast the walnuts lightly before chopping them. This will bring out their natural oils and enhance the nuttiness.

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili pepper to your taste preference. If you want a milder dish, you can omit it altogether or use a sweeter chili variety.

Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The peppers may soften a bit more, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze these stuffed peppers, as the texture of the roasted peppers may change when thawed, and the cheese filling may become watery.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 220 kcal
Protein: 7g
Fat: 18g

Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g

Sodium: 350mg

FAQs

1. Can I prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers a day in advance. Simply roast and stuff the peppers, then store them in the refrigerator. Drizzle the sauce over them just before serving.

2. What can I serve with these stuffed peppers?

These stuffed peppers make a great appetizer or side dish. You can serve them with grilled meats, a fresh salad, or a simple pasta dish.

3. Can I make the filling more flavorful?

Absolutely! You can add more herbs like basil or cilantro, or even spices like cumin or paprika to the filling. You can also add more garlic or use flavored olive oil for an extra kick.

4. Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?

To make this recipe vegan, you can substitute the cheeses with plant-based alternatives such as cashew cream or almond-based cheese. You can also use tofu blended with lemon juice and nutritional yeast for a creamy, cheesy texture.

Conclusion

Stuffed Sweet Kapiya Peppers with Cheese and Walnut Filling is a delightful dish that combines the natural sweetness of roasted peppers with a savory, creamy filling. The addition of walnuts and parsley brings texture and freshness, while the chili pepper provides a hint of heat. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a creative way to enjoy stuffed vegetables. With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, these stuffed peppers are sure to become a family favorite. Serve them with the tangy lemon-olive oil sauce for a refreshing finish that complements the richness of the cheese filling.