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Filipino Stuffed Vegetables

Serves 4 to 6 Appetizer vegetarian, Appetizers

Filipino Stuffed Vegetables

Filipino Stuffed Vegetables, a beloved staple in home kitchens across the Philippines, brings everyday comfort to the table. This dish is often prepared for family meals, where the art of cooking is passed down through generations. The method is straightforward, focusing on the quality of ingredients and the intuition of the cook, who relies on experience rather than precise measurements. It's a dish often enjoyed during weekend gatherings, when time allows for leisurely preparation and shared enjoyment.

Expect a harmonious blend of flavors and textures: tender peppers or tomatoes embrace a savory filling of rice, onions, and herbs, all enriched with olive oil. The seasoned filling is balanced with a touch of fine sea salt and black pepper, resulting in a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. This recipe invites you to savor the simple pleasures of Filipino home cooking, where each bite reflects the warmth and care of the cook's hands.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Begin by preparing all the components for the Filipino Stuffed Vegetables. Wash 4 peppers or tomatoes thoroughly and cut off the tops, removing the seeds and cores to create a hollow space for stuffing. Rinse 150 g of rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, then drain well. Finely chop 1 onion and set aside.
  2. 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 3-4 minutes. This step builds the base flavor for the stuffing, ensuring the onion is soft and sweet.
  3. Add the rinsed rice to the skillet with the onions, stirring to coat the rice grains with the oil and onion mixture. Season with your choice of herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, and a generous pinch of fine sea salt and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors and slightly toast.
  4. Carefully stuff each hollowed pepper or tomato with the rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in without breaking the vegetables. Place the stuffed vegetables upright in a baking dish, ensuring they are snugly fit to prevent tipping over during cooking.
  5. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Drizzle a little more olive oil over the stuffed vegetables to keep them moist and enhance flavor. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap steam, which will help cook the rice inside the vegetables evenly.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the rice is fully cooked. You can check for doneness by piercing the vegetables with a fork; they should be soft but still hold their shape. The rice should be tender and infused with the flavors of the herbs and vegetables.
  7. Once done, remove from the oven and let the stuffed vegetables rest for a few minutes. Finish with a final sprinkle of fine sea salt to taste. Serve the Filipino Stuffed Vegetables warm, allowing the flavors to meld together, and enjoy this dish as a centerpiece for a shared meal.
Cover of Authentic Filipino Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Filipino Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Filipino Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Filipino volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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