4 Dec 2011

Stuffed Romano Peppers with Prawns - An Italian Classic.


Tomato, cheese and herbs give Italian food the classic flavour and wonderful aroma which is so enticing and additive.  The cuisine has become world famous which is evident by the "Dominoes" and "Pizza Hut" that has opened up its doors in every city in most countries.

More than the pizzas or the pastas that are served, I love the appetisers that are on the menu. My favourite is the "Stuffed Romano Peppers". It is stuffed with rice which is cooked with herbs and topped with lots of mozzarella cheese.


I liked the idea but instead of rice substituted a very simple filling. Can you believe that this can be made in just 15  minutes, that is if you have all the ingredients ready at hand. The filling can be modified to individual tastes and preferences.

This dish works as an excellent crowd pleaser as the preparation can be done 5-6 hours in advance. You can keep half the number of peppers as vegetarian and half as non-vegetarian.


Traditionally served as an appetiser but can be converted into main course by adding a salad and a soup on the side.

Serves:4
Preparation time: 5-6 minutes.
Cooking time: 10 minutes.

For the recipe:
Red romano peppers: 2.
Home made tomato sauce: 6 - 7 tbsp.
Raw prawns [peeled and deveined]: 15-16.
Yellow bell pepper: 1/2.
Cheddar cheese: as required.
Fresh thyme :1 tbsp
Fresh basil leaves: a handful.
Salt and paprika: as required.

For "Spicy Italian Tomato Sauce" go here


1.Preheat the oven to Gas mark 4/ 180 degrees C. Grate the cheese and keep aside.
2.Wash the romano peppers and cut in half. Light the stove burner and set the flame in medium.
3.Roast the peppers in this flame for a couple of minutes on both sides. The peppers should be softened and should start to become dark on the edges.
4.Remove from flame and cool.
5.Mix the prawns, tomato sauce, chopped bell pepper, thyme leaves and half of the basil leaves. Check for salt and seasoning and add salt and paprika as required.
6.Place the peppers on a baking tray lined with foil with the inner side facing upwards.
7.Fill the peppers with the prepared sauce and top with cheese.
8.Place the tray in the oven and cook for 8-10 mins or until the cheese has melted and bubbling.

Garnish with more fresh basil and thyme leaves and serve warm.


Note: I have given the number of prawns as I kept 4 prawns per half of the pepper. You can use store brought tomato sauce but I would suggest home made one as it can be tuned to your tastes.

Do not blacken the skin of the peppers which will give a very strong unpleasant flavour to the dish. You can skip the prawns and add cooked shredded chicken, chopped olives, bell peppers, cooked couscous/ brown rice/soya mince etc....

The choice is endless and the flavour can be changed with the herb that is added. Experiment around with different herbs- mint, coriander, rosemary, dill, chives with a teaspoon of shredded ginger.

Sending this to "Dish it Out - Cheese and Tomato",originally by Vardhini ,  guest hosted by Anamika  and 100 Day Global Food Festival by Kalyani.



Enjoy....


Scribbled by Reva

26 comments:

divya said...

OMG! am drooling here...love it!

Pushpa said...

Tempting flavors looks delicious.

Binys Recipes said...

wow i can taste it rt away....wow amazing

Priya Sreeram said...

good one reva - not a non veg eater, but am excited by the various options that can go on the pepper; hey also loved your 7 am arivu post .... cheers

Chitra said...

wow that is a perfect and showstopper kind of starter...love it

Torviewtoronto said...

delicious presentation

Unknown said...

wow awesome dear...Very innovative and really classy....love the clicks as always.....


LGSS -"Tomato" - Nov 5th to Dec 5th
100 Friends/Followers & GIVEAWAY

Valarmathi Sanjeev said...

nice recipe....looks tempting and yummy.
Neat and elegant clcik.

Tina said...

looks delicious...

Unknown said...

wow look at that looks too good and beautiful clicks as usual :)

Ganga Sreekanth said...

Yummy and tempting recipe..

Ganga Sreekanth said...

Yummy and tempting recipe..

Priya Suresh said...

Definitely a fabulous starter,absolutely inviting.

Only Fish Recipes said...

wow...just loved the stuffing with prawns...will surely giv it a try sometimes:-)

Charu Srivastava said...

beautiful dish...luks delicious !

PrathibhaSreejith said...

Lovely clicks Reva n really tempting too :)

Nandinis food said...

Wow! I'd love to have a bite! Love the bright colour! Slurp!

Unknown said...

Am hosting a series event on SPICES starting this month...let me knw if you would like to guest host in future months...


SYF&HWS - Cook With SPICES" Series - CARDAMOM (Dec 5th to Jan 5th)
LGSS -"Tomato" - Nov 5th to Dec 5th
100 Friends/Followers & GIVEAWAY

Jayanthy Kumaran said...

super delicious cliks...tempting me a lot..:P

Tasty Appetite

Treat and Trick said...

So unique and nicely captured!

Meenal Mehta said...

Hello Reva,

first time on your blog, love the recipe and the blog .

Hope to hear back from you as well on my blog and be in touch :)

Unknown said...

Very pleasing and attracting pictures. I am bookmarking this and going to try with rice. Yumm.

scrambledhenfruit said...

These look delicious! Perfect for holiday entertaining. :)

whenharrymetcelery said...

Very creative. The colours are splendid. I loved it :D

Christy Gerald said...

Luks Awesomely Good and delish.Luv it Reva.

Anonymous said...

OMG!!! I am definately gonna try this for my husband. Thanks Reva

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