Minnesota Wild Rice & Cranberry Stuffed Peppers

Introduction

Bring the flavors of Minnesota to your grill with these delicious Wild Rice & Cranberry Stuffed Peppers. Sweet bell peppers are grilled to perfection on the Arteflame, filled with nutty wild rice, tart cranberries, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. This dish is simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and makes for an impressive presentation. The Arteflame’s flat-top griddle ensures that every ingredient cooks evenly, enhancing the textures and taste of the filling. Let’s fire up the grill and get started!

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
• 2 cups cooked wild rice
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins.
3. Light the napkins and let the fire develop for about 20 minutes until the Arteflame is ready for grilling.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Move to the flat-top cooktop, adding butter near the center for the best searing.
2. Saute the chopped onion and garlic until softened.
3. Stir in cooked wild rice, cranberries, pecans, salt, black pepper, and thyme.
4. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Bell Peppers

1. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
2. Lightly brush the outside of the peppers with butter to enhance grilling flavor.
3. Spoon the wild rice and cranberry mixture into each pepper.

Step 4: Grill the Stuffed Peppers

1. Place the stuffed peppers on the Arteflame griddle, closer to the hotter center.
2. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, rotating occasionally until the peppers are softened and slightly charred.
3. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top in the last few minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the grill.
2. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
3. Enjoy your delicious Minnesota Wild Rice & Cranberry Stuffed Peppers!

Tips

• Use a variety of bell peppers for a colorful presentation.
• Grill extra cranberries on the flat-top for extra flavor.
• Keep an eye on the peppers to ensure even charring.
• For added protein, mix in cooked sausage or shredded chicken.

Variations

1. Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon cumin and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
2. Cheesy Delight: Mix in shredded smoked gouda for an extra layer of creaminess.
3. Mediterranean Twist: Replace cranberries with sun-dried tomatoes and add black olives.
4. Harvest Flavor: Use roasted butternut squash instead of cranberries.
5. Nut-Free Option: Substitute pecans with toasted sunflower seeds.

Best Pairings

• Grilled maple-glazed salmon
• Smoky roasted Brussels sprouts
• Grilled apple slices with cinnamon
• A glass of Minnesota-grown Riesling

Conclusion

Grilling these Minnesota Wild Rice & Cranberry Stuffed Peppers on your Arteflame results in a perfectly cooked, flavorful dish that bursts with texture and taste. The combination of smoky char-grilled peppers and the sweet and savory filling creates a stunning plate that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Make these for your next gathering, and impress your guests with this delicious grilled specialty.