Princess Diana's Stuffed Bell Peppers

JT'sMom's Note:

This is my favorite recipe for stuffed peppers! Delish! This takes a little more effort then other stuffed pepper recipes, but it is well worth it, IMO. Eating Royally: Recipes and Remembrances from a Palace Kitchen

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 4 medium bell peppers
• ¼ cup olive oil

FOR THE FILLING

• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 cup thinly sliced mushroom
• 1 zucchini , diced
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tomatoes , seeded and chopped
• 1 cup rice , cooked al dente and cooled
• ½ cup water
• ½ chicken or ½ vegetable bouillon cube
• 4 slices bacon , cooked until crisp and chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil , shredded
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese , diced
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. TO PREPARE THE PEPPERS:.
2. Pre heat oven to 350°F.
3. Cut the tops off the peppers and clean out the seeds and membranes. If the peppers won't stand up, cut a little piece off the bottom to level them. Place the peppers on a baking sheet and drizzle with the oil.
4. Bake for 25 minutes, or until they start to soften. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
5. TO MAKE THE FILLING:.
6. Pour the oil from the peppers into a frying pan and add the onions, mushrooms, zucchini and oregano. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste, and saute over high heat until they start to soften.
7. Add the tomatoes, rice, water and bouillon cube to the vegetables in the frying pan, and simmer for about 5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning. Fold in the bacon, basil and mozzarella cheese.
8. TO STUFF THE PEPPERS:.
9. Divide the filling among the peppers. Sprinkle the Parmesan on top of the peppers.
10. Bake in the middle of the oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the filling is hot.