When the weather turns and we crave the warmth of Mediterranean sunshine, few dishes deliver comfort and flavour quite like beautifully stuffed peppers. Food writer Rachel Roddy, drawing from her years living in Rome, shares a recipe that captures the essence of Italian home cooking in one vibrant dish.
A Taste of La Dolce Vita
These aren't just any stuffed peppers. Roddy's version transforms humble ingredients into something truly special. Sweet red peppers become edible bowls, filled with a sophisticated mixture of orzo pasta, quality tuna, briny capers and a generous handful of fresh herbs.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic lies in the balance of textures and flavours. The tender orzo absorbs the sweet juices from the peppers as they roast, while the tuna provides substantial protein. Capers add that essential salty kick, cutting through the richness, and fresh herbs bring everything to life with their aromatic freshness.
Simple Ingredients, Spectacular Results
You'll need just a handful of quality ingredients:
- 4 large red peppers
- 200g orzo pasta
- Good-quality tuna in olive oil
- A generous tablespoon of capers
- Fresh parsley and basil
- Garlic and olive oil
- Parmesan for serving
The Method: Building Flavour Layers
Roddy's approach is both practical and flavour-focused. Begin by preparing the peppers - slicing off their tops and removing seeds to create perfect containers. Part-cook the orzo so it can finish absorbing the delicious pepper juices during baking.
The filling comes together quickly: flaked tuna, chopped herbs, capers and garlic are gently combined with the parcooked orzo. The mixture should be moist but not wet - the olive oil from the tuna and a additional drizzle will ensure everything comes together beautifully.
Baking to Perfection
Once stuffed, the peppers need about 45 minutes in a moderate oven. You're looking for them to become tender and slightly caramelised at the edges, with the filling heated through and flavours melded together.
Roddy suggests serving them warm rather than piping hot, allowing the flavours to settle. A final grating of Parmesan cheese and extra herbs transform this from a simple meal into something truly special.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Repertoire
This dish exemplifies everything we love about Mediterranean cooking: it's adaptable, forgiving and focuses on quality ingredients rather than complicated techniques. It works equally well as a family dinner or impressive offering for guests.
The recipe is naturally versatile too. Vegetarians could substitute the tuna with chickpeas or roasted vegetables, while different herbs or the addition of olives could make it your own signature dish.
As the days grow shorter, these sunshine-filled peppers offer comfort, nutrition and a taste of Italian summers - proving that sometimes the simplest dishes are truly the most satisfying.
