Colombian Stuffed Vegetables

Ingredients

• 4peppers or tomatoes
• 150 grice
• 1onion
• 80 mlolive oil
• herbs — chopped
• to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

1. Begin by preparing the vegetables. If using peppers, slice off the tops and remove the seeds and membranes inside. For tomatoes, cut a thin slice off the top and gently scoop out the pulp with a spoon, being careful not to pierce the walls. Set the prepared vegetables aside on a tray.
2. Rinse 150 g of rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which will prevent the rice from becoming sticky. Drain well and set aside. Finely chop 1 onion and any herbs you have chosen to use, such as cilantro or parsley, to add freshness and aroma to the stuffing.
3. In a large skillet, heat 80 ml of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the rinsed rice and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the rice grains become slightly opaque and begin to toast, releasing a nutty aroma.
4. Add the chopped herbs to the skillet, stirring them into the rice and onion mixture. Season generously with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. This step builds the foundational flavors of the stuffing, so ensure the mixture is well-seasoned.
5. Carefully stuff each prepared vegetable with the rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in without breaking the vegetable walls. Arrange the stuffed vegetables upright in a baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly to prevent tipping during cooking.
6. Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F). Bake until the vegetables are tender and the rice is fully cooked, which you can check by piercing the vegetables with a fork; they should yield easily, and the rice should be soft and fluffy.
7. Once done, remove the foil and allow the vegetables to bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This will allow the tops to develop a slight golden color and enhance the overall texture. Remove from the oven and finish with a sprinkle of salt before serving immediately.