Italian Sausage Stuffed Sweet Italian Frying Pepper

Italian Sausage Stuffed Sweet Italian Frying Peppers is a savory and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of Italian frying peppers with the richness of Italian sausage. This dish is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:
4-6 large sweet Italian frying peppers (also called “Cubanelles” or “Italian long peppers”)
1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference)
1/2 cup onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
1/2 cup marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Prepare the peppers:
Wash and dry the sweet Italian frying peppers.
Cut off the tops of the peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. You can use a small spoon or your fingers to do this. Be careful not to tear the peppers.
Set the peppers aside.
Cook the sausage filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble the sausage into the skillet.
Cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove any excess fat if necessary.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the sausage. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onions are softened and fragrant.
Stir in the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook for another minute, just to combine the flavors.