Rocoto Relleno (Stuffed Peruvian Peppers)

Experience the vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine with Rocoto Relleno, a traditional dish featuring spicy rocoto peppers stuffed with a savory meat filling and baked to perfection. This hearty and colorful meal is perfect for sharing with family or impressing guests with a taste of Peru.

Ingredients

• 6 large rocoto peppers
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1/4 cup black olives, chopped
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peppers

   Cut the tops off the rocoto peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse under cold water to reduce some of the heat. Set aside.

2. Make the Filling

   Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the cooked rice, olives, raisins, chopped eggs, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and remove from heat.

3. Stuff the Peppers

   Fill each rocoto pepper with the beef mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.

4. Prepare the Topping

   In a small bowl, mix the milk with breadcrumbs to create a light topping. Sprinkle this over the stuffed peppers. Add shredded cheese on top if desired.

5. Bake

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25–30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the peppers are tender.

6. Serve

   Serve Rocoto Relleno hot, accompanied by boiled potatoes or a fresh salad. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Delight in the bold, layered flavors of Rocoto Relleno, a signature Peruvian dish that balances heat, sweetness, and savory richness. Whether served for a festive meal or a special family dinner, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression.