Stuffed Piquillo Peppers

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

8 ounces fresh Mexican chorizo, casing removed 

4 cloves garlic, minced 

1 medium carrot, minced 

1 stalk celery, minced 

1 medium shallot, minced 

1 teaspoon kosher salt 

2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper 

Pinch chile flakes 

1 cup grated Manchego cheese

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs 

1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 

1/4 cup whipped cream cheese 

8 to 10 jarred piquillo peppers, drained and patted dry 

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

2. In a large saute pan set over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and chorizo. Cook until well browned, 7 to 8 minutes, breaking up the chorizo with the back of a wooden spoon as it cooks. Add the garlic, carrots, celery, shallots, salt, pepper and chile flakes, and saute until the onions become translucent, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly. Add 3/4 of the Manchego, (reserving a 1/4 cup) the breadcrumbs, half of the parsley and the cream cheese. Stir well to mix everything evenly. Using a medium spoon, ( and your fingers) carefully stuff each of the piquillo peppers with the filling. Arrange the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and sprinkle with remaining Manchego. Bake in the center of the oven until the cheese melts and is slightly bubbly around the edges, 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a platter and garnish with the remaining chopped parsley to serve.