Stuffed Banana Peppers

This STUFFED BANANA PEPPERS recipe is provided by the South Augusta Farmers Market, held monthly at the corner of Windsor Spring and Tobacco roads. All underlined items are grown by farmers in the Augusta area and will be available at the July 8 event. Enjoy a healthy cooking demo by Chef Cassandra, bring the kids out for Wallace’s Farms Petting Zoo, and join us as we create community around food.

Stuffed Banana Peppers:

INGREDIENTS:

- 6 to 8 banana peppers

- 1 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage

- 1 cup cooked white rice

- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Marinara sauce (for serving)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice off the tops of the banana peppers and remove the seeds and membranes, creating a hollow cavity.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked Italian sausage, cooked rice, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.

3. Stuff each banana pepper with the sausage and rice mixture, packing it tightly.

4. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.

5. Serve the stuffed banana peppers hot with marinara sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.