Jazzy Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 (8 ounce) box dirty rice mix (such as Zatarains)
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or other vegetable oil
• 4 large red or green bell peppers, sliced in half lengthwise and seeded
• 14 1/2 ounces stewed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. To the skillet, add the dirty rice mix, water, and vegetable oil. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat. Cover and cook until the rice is tender, about 25 minutes.
4. While the rice is cooking, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the bell pepper halves (four at a time) and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Remove the peppers from the water and drain them in a colander.
5. Spread the stewed tomatoes evenly in a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Place the bell pepper halves, cut side up, on top of the tomatoes.
6. Stuff each bell pepper half with the dirty rice mixture, then sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the top of each pepper.
7. Bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the cheese has melted.

Cook's Note: These stuffed peppers can also be made using ground beef instead of turkey for a different flavor.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 627
• Fat: 29g (37% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 9g (43% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 134mg (45% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1038mg (45% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 54g (19% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (13% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 39g (78% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 29mg (33% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 224mg (17% Daily Value)
• Iron: 6mg (33% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 867mg (18% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Jazzy Stuffed Peppers

Jazzy Stuffed Peppers are a modern twist on the classic stuffed pepper, a dish with roots tracing back to various European cuisines, including Hungarian and Mediterranean traditions. Historically, bell peppers were stuffed with rice, meat, and spices as a way to create a hearty, all-in-one meal using readily available ingredients. The jazzy version emerged in the United States, particularly in regions influenced by Creole and Cajun flavors, where a boxed dirty rice mix is combined with ground turkey or beef to create a vibrant and flavorful filling. This adaptation reflects a fusion of traditional comfort food with convenient, modern cooking techniques.

Regional Variations and Local Influence

While stuffed peppers are enjoyed worldwide, Jazzy Stuffed Peppers are particularly popular in Southern U.S. cuisine. The inclusion of New Orleans-style dirty rice, often seasoned with paprika, garlic, and cayenne, gives the dish a distinctive Southern kick. In other regions, the filling might lean toward Italian flavors with marinara sauce and Parmesan, or Mexican styles with black beans, corn, and chili. Each variation highlights local tastes and available ingredients, showcasing the adaptability of stuffed peppers as a dish that can be customized by region.

What Makes It Unique

Unlike traditional stuffed peppers, which typically use plain rice or quinoa with vegetables and meat, Jazzy Stuffed Peppers stand out because of the bold seasoning of the dirty rice mix and the layering technique using stewed tomatoes in the casserole dish. This method keeps the peppers moist and adds a subtle tangy sweetness, contrasting with the savory, spicy filling. The dish is also versatile: it can be made with ground turkey, beef, or even a plant-based protein, making it more approachable for different dietary preferences.

Typical Serving Settings

Jazzy Stuffed Peppers are most commonly served as a main course for family dinners or casual gatherings. They are popular for meal prep because they store well and can be reheated without losing flavor. In Southern homes and New Orleans-inspired restaurants, they might be accompanied by a simple green salad, cornbread, or a light vinaigrette. This dish is also a hit at potlucks due to its colorful presentation and ability to feed a crowd easily.

Interesting Facts

• The use of a pre-packaged dirty rice mix makes the dish both quick and flavorful, a nod to modern convenience cooking.
• Bell peppers, besides being a natural vessel for stuffing, provide a rich source of vitamin C, balancing the protein-rich filling.
• Though often associated with Southern cuisine, stuffed peppers have versions in nearly every culture, from Turkish dolmas to Mexican chiles rellenos.
• The name Jazzy reflects the playful combination of spices and ingredients, inspired by the vibrant culture of New Orleans.
• Some home cooks experiment with adding cheese, hot sauce, or fresh herbs, demonstrating the dishs versatility and creativity.

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