Healthy Spam Peppers
Description
This vibrant dish reimagines classic stuffed peppers by pairing savory, crispy SPAM with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables and herbs. The filling combines shredded cabbage, zucchini, carrots, and onions, creating a delightful mix of textures that balances the rich, salty meat. Infused with fresh basil, oregano, and a subtle kick from red pepper flakes, the mixture offers a robust flavor profile that is both comforting and surprisingly light. Topped with juicy diced tomatoes and baked until tender, these peppers make for a satisfying, home-style meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this recipe delivers hearty comfort without the heaviness, offering a creative twist on a traditional favorite that the whole family will enjoy.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350ðF (175ðC). Core and seed 8 bell peppers, then halve them lengthwise and place in a baking dish.
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed SPAM and sauté until lightly browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add shredded cabbage, zucchini, onion, carrot, minced garlic, chopped basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
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Sauté vegetables over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender.
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Drain the juice from the canned diced tomatoes, reserving the juice. Add enough water to the reserved juice to make 3 cups of liquid.
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Stir the reserved tomato liquid, instant rice, and brown sugar into the vegetable mixture. Cook until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
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Fold the browned SPAM back into the vegetable and rice mixture.
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Stuff the bell pepper halves with the filling mixture.
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Spoon the remaining diced tomatoes over the stuffed peppers.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes until peppers are tender and filling is heated through. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 10
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 430.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 24.0g37%
- Saturated Fat 8.0g40%
- Cholesterol 124.0mg42%
- Sodium 1084.0mg46%
- Total Carbohydrate 18.0g6%
- Dietary Fiber 1.0g4%
- Sugars 8.0g
- Protein 36.0g72%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For a gluten-free option, ensure your instant rice and SPAM are certified gluten-free.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
You can substitute the bell peppers with poblano peppers for a spicier kick or use red and yellow peppers for more sweetness.
If you prefer a less salty dish, rinse the SPAM cubes before cooking or reduce the amount of brown sugar.
For extra protein, consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp to the filling mixture.