Italian Sausage Stuffed Sweet Italian Frying Pepper

1. 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.
2. 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.
   • Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the sausage mixture to cool slightly.
3. Stuff the peppers:
   • Carefully stuff each prepared pepper with the sausage mixture. Pack the filling in firmly but gently, so the peppers hold their shape.
   • If you have extra filling, you can serve it on the side or freeze it for another use.
4. Cook the stuffed peppers:
   • In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Place the stuffed peppers into the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the peppers are tender and slightly browned on all sides. This will cook the peppers and allow the stuffing to set.
   • Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.
5. Serve:
   • If you like, serve the stuffed peppers with a little marinara sauce on the side or drizzled over the top for extra flavor.
   • Garnish with additional fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Tips:

• Sweet Italian Frying Peppers are mild and slightly sweet, making them perfect for this dish. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with bell peppers or poblano peppers, but the flavor may vary.
• If you want a crispy crust on your peppers, you can finish the cooking by broiling them for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• For a richer flavor, consider adding a little ricotta cheese or mozzarella to the sausage filling.

This dish is full of rich, savory flavors and the sweet peppers add a nice contrast to the savory sausage stuffing.