Appetizer · Main Course · Latin American · Dinner ·

Zesty Peruvian Rocoto-Stuffed Peppers with Lime Dressing

Experience the bold flavors of Peru with these Rocoto peppers stuffed with savory quinoa, vegetables, and cheese, all topped with a refreshing lime dressing.

4.7(586 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Zesty Peruvian Rocoto-Stuffed Peppers with Lime Dressing — Appetizer served and photographed from above
Prep
30 min
Cook
1 h 30 min
Difficulty
Intermediate
Serves
4

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Rocoto Peppers

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. 2

    Core the peppers

    Slice the tops off the Rocoto peppers and hollow out the seeds and membranes.

    Tip: Handle Rocoto peppers with gloves as their oils can irritate skin.

  3. 3

    Season the peppers

    Rub the peppers with olive oil and season with salt.

Preparing the Quinoa Filling

  1. 1

    Rinse the quinoa

    Rinse the quinoa under cold water.

  2. 2

    Cook the quinoa

    In a pot, combine quinoa and vegetable broth, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is fluffy.

  3. 3

    Prepare the filling

    In a pan, sauté the onion and garlic until soft. Add carrots and corn, cooking until just tender. Stir in cooked quinoa, cilantro, cumin, and queso fresco.

    Tip: Let the stuffing cool slightly before filling the peppers to prevent sagging.

How to Make Zesty Peruvian Rocoto-Stuffed Peppers with Lime Dressing

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

  1. 1

    Stuff the peppers

    Spoon the quinoa mixture into each prepared Rocoto pepper, packing tightly.

  2. 2

    Bake the peppers

    Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

  3. 3

    Prepare the dressing

    Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.

Chef's Tips

    Further reading

    Frequently asked questions

    How long can I store leftovers?

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Can I use other peppers?

    Yes, bell peppers or poblano peppers are suitable milder alternatives.

    Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

    Substitute queso fresco with a plant-based cheese alternative.

    What if I can't find Rocoto peppers?

    Substitute with red bell peppers or other available spicy peppers for a similar experience.

    How can I make it less spicy?

    Remove all seeds and membranes from the Rocoto peppers, or use a milder pepper like a bell pepper.

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