Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
Spooky Scale: 2/5 Spooks
A brilliant savoury option that's perfect as a fun Halloween dinner or a substantial party snack. They look fantastic and are packed with goodness.
Ingredients:
- 4 small-to-medium orange bell peppers
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 200g lean minced meat (turkey or beef) or a tin of lentils/black beans for a veggie option
- 1 cup of cooked rice (wholegrain or white)
- 1/2 cup of tomato passata or tinned tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- A handful of grated cheddar cheese (optional)
The Healthier Twist:
This is a balanced meal in a fun package, combining protein, carbohydrates, and plenty of vegetables. Using lean meat or lentils keeps the fat content down.
Instructions:
Carve the Pumpkins: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C Fan). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and set them aside to be the 'lids'. Scoop out the seeds and membranes.
The Fun Part: Using a small, sharp knife, carefully carve little jack-o'-lantern faces into one side of each pepper. Kids can draw the faces on with a marker first for you to follow.
Make the Filling: Heat the olive oil in a pan and gently fry the onion until soft. Add the mince (or lentils/beans) and cook until browned. Stir in the cooked rice, passata, and oregano. Season lightly.
Stuff the Peppers: Stand the carved peppers in a small baking dish. Spoon the filling into each one until they are full.
Bake: Place the 'lids' back on top of the peppers. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the peppers are tender. If you're using cheese, sprinkle it on top for the last 5 minutes of baking to get it nice and melted.
Serve: Let them cool slightly before serving up your spooky main course!
Add a Face: Before the coating is completely solid, press two mini chocolate chips in for the eyes and one for a spooky "O" mouth. If using writing icing, let the coating set fully first, then draw the faces on.
Serve: Serve immediately, or place them back on the baking tray in the freezer until you're ready to scare... I mean, share!
