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Mini Bell Pepper Jack-o'-Lanterns

This dish features whole bell peppers carved into small jack-o'-lanterns, which are then filled with a savory rice and vegetable mixture and baked until tender. The peppers develop a slightly charred, roasted exterior while the filling becomes warm and flavorful, creating a playful and colorful dish perfect for festive occasions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Festive
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 bell peppers preferably orange or yellow for a pumpkin-like appearance
  • 1 cup cooked rice preferably slightly sticky
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped vegetables such as zucchini and carrots
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Monterey Jack work well
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil for roasting
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Paring knife
  • Baking sheet
  • Cooking Pot
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Use a small paring knife to carefully carve faces into the bell peppers, creating eyes, nose, and a jagged mouth to resemble mini jack-o'-lanterns. Remove the tops and seeds gently to carve out the interior for stuffing.
  2. Mix the cooked rice with chopped vegetables, shredded cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. This colorful mixture will serve as the filling, combining textures and flavors.
  3. Stuff each carved-out bell pepper with the rice mixture, pressing gently to fill all the nooks and crannies. Don’t overfill, so the tops can still fit back on.
  4. Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then gently place their tops back on. Brush the outer skins lightly with olive oil for roasting.
  5. Bake the peppers in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and slightly charred around the edges, and the filling is heated through and bubbling.
  6. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve the mini jack-o'-lanterns warm, with the carved faces showing and the filling steaming inside.

Notes

Feel free to customize the faces or filling ingredients for more fun creativity. Using vibrant peppers enhances the festive look.