Gorgonzola Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed peppers are definitely one of my favorite clean-the-fridge meals. I tend to make these recipes a little bit different each time because I work with all the little bits and pieces I have in my fridge. I use mostly left-over rice as a filling, but orzo pasta, quinoa or even couscous work deliciously here. I have even used left-over butternut squash risotto from a large party, added a few extra veggies and made stuffed bell peppers for a crowd after my sister’s baby shower once.

However, the other day I purposely made a conscious effort to think of what I would put in. I am in a blue-cheese kick lately ,so I wondered how would my beloved stuffed bell peppers would taste using gorgonzola as the main cheese. I know I already loved them filled with goat cheese… so this would be a nice twist if successful. And successful it was.

BLUE CHEESE STUFFED BELL PEPPERS

1 large bell pepper – I prefer yellow, orange or red for this… but a green one will do also

1 cup cooked brown rice

½ medium onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, chopped finely

1 small carrot, chopped small

1 small tomato, chopped

3-4 white button mushrooms, chopped

3 large handfuls of baby spinach or any other hearty green lettuce

2 ounces cream cheese

1/2 cup gorgonzola crumbles

½ cup walnut pieces or almond slivers

¼ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded for topping

Olive Oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, onions, garlic and carrots. Season with salt and pepper lightly and sauté for a few minutes for the onions and carrots to soften.
2. While this cooks, cut the bell pepper in half and clean the insides of all ribs and seeds. Set aside.
3. Add the mushroom pieces and cook for a few minutes. Add tomato pieces and cook for them to release their juices.
4. Add the spinach and mix together so it wilts. Season with salt and pepper to help the spinach release its juices.
5. Remove from heat. Add the cooked rice and mix well. Add the cream cheese and gorgonzola. If you feel the mixture is a bit stiff, add a drizzle of olive oil to soften it.
6. Add the walnuts or other nut you might have handy.
7. Fill generously each bell pepper half with rice/cheese mixture. Top with some shredded cheese to make a nice cheesy crust on top.
8. Place the pepper halves in a baking dish and cook in a 425F oven for about 25-30 minutes. The filling is already cooked but this will cook and soften the pepper outside.

Serve alongside a crisp green salad and dinner is served!!!

Tags: bell pepper, blue cheese, brown rice, cheese, food, gorgonzola, pepper, vegetarian