Peperoncini ripieni, or stuffed peppers with tuna, is a well-known Italian snack that adds a spicy kick to any gathering. Inspired by the classic peppers preserved in oil, which can be found in almost every supermarket, this fresh version is perfect for those who want to eat something with a true homemade taste. Whether you prefer them very spicy or mild, this snack can be easily made to suit any taste.

The idea for this recipe came from seeing jars of traditional peppers in oil which don’t taste as good as they should be. So, I ask myself: why not make them fresh? The result is a fantastic snack that can be served at parties or as part of breakfast or dinner. Enough blabbering, let’s make this awesome delicacy:

Peperoncini Ripieni Preparation

Ingredients (Serves 5):

• 10 small chilli peppers or 5 bigger classic round peppers
• 160 grams of canned tuna
• 160 grams of cream cheese (e.g., Philadelphia)
• 10 capers in salt
• 10 anchovy fillets in oil
• Oregano
• Chili powder (optional, for the mild version)

Difficulty: Easy

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Resting time: 5-6 hours

Instructions:

1. Cut the tops off the peppers to create a lid. Remove the seeds and inner membranes, then salt the inside and let them rest.
2. In the meantime, prepare the tuna cream: pour the Philadelphia, tuna, olive oil, and oregano into the blender (and if you are using classic peppers, also the chili powder in quantities to taste) and blend until it becomes a smooth cream. If you don’t want to overdo it with the oil, you can replace some of it with a little milk or cream.
3. Place an anchovy fillet at the bottom of each pepper (one per chili pepper, two per classic pepper). Fill the peppers with the tuna cream, ensuring it overflows slightly. Fill beyond the edge, because when we put the “cap” a little cream must still be visible. Add the capers –  always one for the chilli peppers and two for the classic peppers –  placing them on top of the tuna cream, and finally put the lid on.
4. Let the stuffed peppers rest in the fridge for 5-6 hours. This allows the cream to solidify, making them easier to eat.

Tip: The stuffed chilli peppers can be quite spicy, so if you prefer a milder version, use classic round peppers and adjust the chili powder to taste.

Benefits of eauting Peperoncini Ripieni

Peperoncini Ripieni is not only a delicious snack but also a very healthy one. The tuna and anchovies are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health, reduce inflammation, and support brain function. Also, olive oil contains monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and support cardiovascular health.

Try to get homemade olive oil for even better health benefits. Peppers in general are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants, which support immunity, skin health, and eye function. However, this snack is also great after the workout because it is healthy, rich in proteins, and doesn’t have many carbohydrates. 

When to eat Peperoncini Ripieni

As mentioned above, this lovely snack is a great meal after the workout, because proteins from tuna and anchovies help with muscle recovery, while olive oil provides healthy fats for sustained energy. Furthermore, healthy fats and proteins from stuffed peppers can keep you full, but avoid excessive amounts if you’re sensitive to digestion before sleep. Therefore, it is advisable to eat this snack in the morning or during the day.

Peperoncini Ripieni are perfect for any social gathering. They are quite stylish, so you can serve them as decoration with some other fancy meal. However, you can also serve them alone because their vibrant colors and flavors make them a hit at birthday parties and family gatherings.