Linguica Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

For the peppers:

– 4 large bell peppers (any color)

– 1 lb linguica sausage, casing removed

– 1 cup cooked white rice

– 1/2 cup diced yellow onion

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

For the topping:

– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

2. Slice bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove all seeds and membranes.

3. Arrange pepper halves cut-side-up in a 9×13 inch baking dish.

4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until hot.

5. Brown linguica sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon.

6. Add diced onion and cook for 4 minutes until translucent.

7. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

8. Mix in cooked rice and smoked paprika until fully combined.

9. Spoon the sausage mixture evenly into each pepper half, packing it down lightly.

10. Pour 1/4 cup water into the bottom of the baking dish around the peppers.

11. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

12. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until peppers are tender-crisp.

13. Remove foil and sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over each pepper.

14. Return to oven uncovered for 8-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

15. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.

16. Garnish with chopped parsley.

The smoky linguica creates a juicy, savory filling that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, tender pepper shells. Serve these alongside a crisp green salad or stuff them into crusty bread for an incredible sandwich. That melty cheese pull alone is worth the effort!

Look for Amarals Linguica today at Walmart, Market Basket, Shaw's, Stop & Shop, Big Y, Trucchis, Seabra Foods.

 credit Elsieskitchen