Mexican Stuffed Baby Peppers

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Baby peppers inspire me. I find myself thinking about them a lot!  Is that weird?  yes.

Months ago, I made a similar recipe to this one, but with an Italian twist; cannellini beans and bruschetta topping.  I posted it on Facebook and got lots of nice comments and "likes."  I couldnt help but wonder whether my friends were loving these cute baby peppers as much as I do and I wondered, of course- what are they doing with them?!  Tell us!

Also wondering...Did baby peppers inspire the creation and social media sharing of  Measure & Pinch?  quite possibly.

Have I turned into one of those people that answers my own questions?  clearly.

Here's what you'll need for 15-20 pepper appetizers:

  • Approximately 1 cup "Regret- Free Re-fried Beans" See, recipe below.
  • 1 can of red beans, 15 oz, rinsed
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • SPICES
    • 1/2 tsp cumin
    • 1/2 tsp chili powder
    • 1/2 tsp cayenne peppers
  • 1 bag baby peppers, rinsed and halved
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
  • 1 can jalepenos or one fresh jalepeno, sliced

Regret-Free Re-Fried Beans:

Combine beans, minced garlic and spices in a large skillet.  Heat on medium until the garlic is fragrant and the beans soften.  Mash beans with a potato masher until chunky.  Add water as you mash to get a smooth consistency.  Add salt & pepper and stir.  Heat 5-8 minutes.

For the Stuffed Peppers:

1.   Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

2.  Slice each baby pepper in half length-wise, remove ribs and seeds.  Toss all of the halves together with a drizzle of olive oil, salt & pepper.  Place on baking sheet, spacing the pepper halves apart and placing skin-side down.

3.   Bake for 5-8 minutes.  Let cool.  Pat excess liquid with a paper towel, if necessary

4.  Spoon Healthy Re-Fried Beans into each pepper half, top with shredded cheese and return to the oven for 5 minutes until cheese melts.

5.  Garnish with sour cream, a slice of jalepeno and a cilantro.  Enjoy!

What are you doing with your baby peppers? 

Also-  Have you ever tried to take a good picture of re-fried beans??!   impossible. 

xo & a pinch,

Kelly