Spanish-Style Bell Pepper Stuffed Meat Bowls
A Mediterranean-inspired baked dish featuring sweet bell peppers filled with savory minced pork, shrimp, and vegetables, inspired by 19th-century Spanish traditions.
Rooted in the culinary traditions of the Navarre region of 19th-century Spain, traditional stuffed peppers rely on the natural sweetness of roasted Piquillo peppers combined with rich pork. This modern adaptation pairs vibrant yellow and red bell peppers with a savory meat and vegetable filling, bringing together Eastern texturing wisdom and Western baking styles.
Ingredients
- 4 whole bell peppers (yellow and red)
- 300 g pork belly
- 100 g shrimp
- 1 medium onion
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- to taste seasonings and sauces
- to taste paprika powder
Instructions
- 1Slice and level the pepper bowls
Take yellow and red bell peppers and carefully slice off the top stem sections using a sharp knife to create hollow bowls for stuffing, ensuring clean cuts so they stand steady.
Tip: Keep the cuts clean and level so the pepper bowls stand steady and hold the filling securely. - 2Clean the pepper interiors
Use a paring knife or your fingers to gently scrape away and discard all the inner seeds and white membranes from the hollowed bell peppers.
Tip: Ensure all loose seeds are removed so they do not interfere with the texture of the stuffed meat mixture. - 3Apply olive oil to the cavity
Apply a light coating of olive oil to the inner cavity of each prepared bell pepper using a brush or your fingers to lock in moisture.
Tip: Oiling the inside helps keep the pepper moist and enhances flavor development during baking. - 4Mince the pork belly
Place raw pork belly pieces on a clean cutting board and chop them finely using two cleavers simultaneously until thoroughly minced to achieve an ideal coarse texture.
Tip: Using dual cleavers speeds up the process and creates an ideal coarse texture for stuffed meat dishes. - 5Chop the onions
Slice and dice onions finely on a wooden cutting board to prepare them for mixing into the meat filling.
Tip: Dice the onions evenly so they distribute smoothly throughout the meat mixture. - 6Combine filling ingredients
Transfer the minced meat, chopped onions, shrimp, and mixed vegetables into a large glass bowl, then mix everything together evenly.
Tip: Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated so every bite of the stuffed pepper has a balanced flavor. - 7Incorporate seasonings and cornstarch
Add your preferred seasonings, sauces, and cornstarch directly into the bowl containing the minced meat and diced vegetables.
Tip: Ensure the cornstarch is evenly sprinkled to help bind the ingredients together during cooking. - 8Mix the ingredients
Using a gloved hand or a utensil, thoroughly combine the meat, vegetables, and seasonings inside the glass bowl until uniform.
Tip: Mix gently to avoid mashing the delicate vegetable cubes while ensuring complete integration of flavors. - 9Stuff the bell peppers
Take portions of the seasoned meat mixture and firmly pack them into the hollowed cavities of the prepared bell pepper halves.
Tip: Press the meat firmly into the corners of the pepper bowl to prevent it from shrinking or falling out during baking.
