Stuffed Capsicum: Secret Veggie Hack That Tastes Amazing
Have you ever spent time cooking vegetables, only to see them left untouched because kids or even adults don’t like eating them? It can be so frustrating! That’s why this stuffed capsicum recipe is a total lifesaver. By hiding a mix of veggies inside juicy minced meat and pairing it with a tangy homemade tomato sauce, you create a dish that’s both visually appealing and irresistibly tasty. The result? Every bite is a delicious surprise that’s comforting, healthy, and perfect for picky eaters or anyone who wants a little extra veggie boost in their meal.
This recipe is flexible, so you can adjust ingredients to suit your taste or the preferences of your family. From choosing the type of minced meat to swapping vegetables, you can make it uniquely yours while still keeping it nutritious and flavorful.
Taste & Texture: A Bite Full of Surprises
This dish is a symphony of flavors and textures. The homemade tomato sauce is smooth, tangy, and slightly sweet, providing a soft base that complements the meat. The minced meat mixture is tender yet slightly chewy, creating a satisfying bite. Hidden inside are small pieces of vegetables that add a subtle crunch, so every mouthful is playful and interesting. The combination of savory, salty, and naturally sweet flavors makes the stuffed capsicum irresistible, while the tangy tomato sauce ties everything together beautifully. Add a sprinkle of cheese and a dollop of yogurt for a creamy contrast that makes the dish even more comforting.
This image is provided by Foodiez team
This image is provided by Foodiez team
Informations:
- Servings: 2 people
- Calories per serving: 425 kcal
Ingredients:
Stuffed Capsicum
- 1 capsicum (any color, cut in half and remove the seeds)
- 150 g minced meat (beef, chicken, pork, or turkey)
- 2 tbsp corn
- 1 handful spinach
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp spring onion
- 1 tbsp paprika (cut dice)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Sugar & salt (to taste)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp bread crumbs
- Optional: olives for garnish
- Optional: shredded cheese
Homemade Tomato Sauce
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 big chili
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp oil
- 15 g paprika (remove the seeds)
- Salt & sugar (for taste)
- Pepper (for taste)
- 1 tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp paprika powder
- ¼ tsp chili flakes
Let’s Cook!
Homemade Tomato Sauce
1. Blend the base: In a blender, combine tomatoes, paprika, chili, garlic, and oil. Blend until smooth and uniform.
2. Cook the sauce: Transfer the blended mixture to a pot. Add salt, sugar, pepper, oregano, paprika powder, and chili flakes. Over medium heat, stir continuously until most of the water evaporates and the sauce thickens into a rich, flavorful consistency.
Stuff Capsicum
1. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine minced meat, corn, spinach, egg, spring onion, paprika, garlic powder, sugar & salt, cornstarch, and bread crumbs. Mix well until it forms a cohesive mixture.
2. Stuff the capsicum: Fill each halved capsicum with the meat mixture, pressing down to make it compact and even.
3. Optional garnish: Add olives on top for extra flavor and presentation.
4. Cook: Place stuffed capsicum in an air fryer or oven. Cook at 180°C for 15 minutes. Remove briefly, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake again for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
5. Serve: Plate the stuffed capsicum and pour the homemade tomato sauce over or serve on the side. For extra creaminess, pair it with yogurt.
Tips & Variations
- Veggie swap: Use zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, or any vegetables you like in the meat mixture.
- Spice level: Skip chili or chili flakes if you prefer a mild version.
- Cheesy twist: Top with mozzarella or cheddar before baking for a gooey, golden finish.
- Capsicum alternative: Swap capsicum with sweet yellow squash for a milder flavor or bitter gourd for a more adventurous taste.
- Protein options: You can use any minced meat beef, chicken, pork, or turkey but fish is not recommended as it is too soft and won’t hold the filling.
FAQ
Q1: Can the sauce be made smoother?
A: Yes! After cooking, you can blend the sauce again using a hand blender or regular blender until you achieve your desired texture.
Q2: How can I make the sauce naturally sweet?
A: Add cooked carrots when blending the sauce. Carrots provide natural sweetness and enhance the flavor of the tomato sauce.
Q3: What type of minced meat should I use?
A: You can use any minced meat such as beef, chicken, pork, or turkey. Fish is not recommended as the texture is too soft to hold the filling properly.
Q4: Can I replace the capsicum with something else?
A: Yes! For a sweeter alternative, use yellow squash. For a more adventurous option, try bitter gourd (pare). The key is to have a vegetable or edible vessel that can hold the filling.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
1. Kid-friendly and veggie-packed: A clever way to sneak in hidden vegetables.
2. Flexible and customizable: Swap vegetables, meat, or spice levels according to preference.
3. Perfect for meal prep or family dinners: Easy to make in batches and store.
4. Fun textures and flavors: Soft sauce, chewy meat, and crunchy hidden veggies make each bite exciting.
This stuffed capsicum recipe is the perfect balance of taste, nutrition, and presentation. It’s a clever, delicious way to enjoy vegetables without the fuss, making it ideal for busy families, picky eaters, or anyone craving a comforting and flavorful dish.
