Turkey sausage and smoked cheese give a flavorful boost to this versatile, somewhat retro dinner. We’ve speeded it up by microwave-blanching the peppers and using instant brown rice. If possible, choose peppers that will stand upright.
Smoky Stuffed Peppers
Serves 6
Active time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
6 large bell peppers, tops cut off, seeded
12 ounces hot Italian turkey sausage links, removed from casings
1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
4 plum tomatoes, chopped
2 cups instant brown rice
1 cup chopped fresh basil
1 cup finely shredded smoked cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar or Gouda, divided
Directions:
Position rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler.
Place peppers cut-side down in a large microwave-safe dish. Fill the dish with 1/2 inch of water, cover and microwave on high until the peppers are just softened, 7 to 10 minutes. Drain the water, and transfer the peppers to a roasting pan.
Meanwhile, cook sausage in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Stir in broth, tomatoes and rice; increase heat to high, and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the rice is softened but still moist, 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, until the rice absorbs the remaining liquid, about 5 minutes.
Stir basil and half the cheese into the rice mixture. Divide the filling among the peppers, then top with the remaining cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted, 2 to 3 minutes.
To make ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Recipe nutrition per serving: 292 calories; 11 grams fat (4 grams saturated, 0 grams monounsaturated); 43 milligrams cholesterol; 32 grams carbohydrate; 0 grams added sugars; 19 grams protein; 5 grams fiber; 636 milligrams sodium; and 457 milligrams potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C, 232 percent daily value; and
vitamin A, 30 percent DV.
Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable and 3 lean meat.
EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Find it online at www.eatingwell.com.