Best Baked Peppers With Ricotta And Basil Recipes

HERBY RICOTTA STUFFED PEPPERS

Steps:

• Char Peppers (optional): For a smokier flavor, quickly char peppers on the grill of open-flame stovetop (if you have access to these; if not, just skip this step). Cool then peel off blackened skin.
• Prep Peppers: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 C). Cut peppers in half lengthwise, removing seeds and ribs. Brush peppers all over with olive oil.
• Stuff Peppers: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, basil, onions, herbs, salt, and pepper. Beat in the eggs and parmesan. Fill peppers with the mixture and top wth fennel flowers and breadcrumb mixture. Bake for 30 minutes, or until ricotta is set and breadcrumbs are golden.

ROASTED PEPPERS WITH LEMON RICOTTA

Steps:

• Center a rack in the oven, and heat it to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. Rinse the peppers, pat them dry and place them on the pan. Roast the peppers, turning every 10 minutes, until their skins are black and blistered, 40 minutes, more or less. Transfer the peppers to a heatproof bowl, cover and, when they're cool enough to handle, peel off the skins. Remove the caps, cut each pepper in quarters or halves and remove and discard the seeds. Lightly brush the peppers with oil; use now, or cover closely and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
• Scrape the ricotta into a bowl, and mix with a spatula to smoothen. Grate the lemon zest over the ricotta, squeeze in about 1 tablespoon of the juice and add the preserved lemon rind, if you're using it. Pour in a few teaspoons of olive oil, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Use now, or cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
• To serve, spoon or spread the lemon ricotta on a platter or individual plates, and drizzle with olive oil. Top with peppers, and brush or drizzle with olive oil and either sherry or balsamic vinegar. Finish with a sprinkling of chives or basil.

BAKED RICOTTA WITH SPRING VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil, add the asparagus and blanch 5 minutes. Drain and set aside. Toss mushrooms with 2 teaspoons of the oil and sear in a small skillet over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
• Grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet with 1 teaspoon oil. Place ricotta in a bowl. Fold in the Parmesan, mozzarella, oregano, egg and egg yolk. Season with salt and pepper. Spread in the cast-iron skillet. Gently swirl in the pesto, leaving streaks of it.
• Heat a broiler. Place the cast-iron skillet on a burner turned to low and let cook about 10 minutes, until heated through and showing signs of browning along the edges. Remove from heat. Scatter the asparagus, mushrooms and artichokes on top. Sprinkle with scallions and mint. Place under the broiler close to the source of heat until it starts to become lightly dappled, about 6 minutes.
• Meanwhile grill or toast the bread. Brush with the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoon olive oil and rub with garlic. Serve the cheese and vegetables directly from the skillet, with grilled bread alongside.

BAKED PEPPERS WITH FETA CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F
• Place the peppers in a baking dish, cut side down. Drizzle with olive oil.
• Tuck the basil and garlic between the peppers. Scatter the feta on top.
• Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes. Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature.