I’ve always loved stuffed peppers, but making one can be quite an affair and take hours. This is one of the easiest versions of stuffed peppers I’ve come up with. Instead of rice, I use hominy and puree it in the food processor. I add bulk, holds the dish together and offers a delicious, deep corn flavor.

Then, I use rotisserie chicken, cumin and picante sauce. Of course, a good dose of cilantro and cheese is wonderful, too.

These peppers are assembled in about 10 minutes and then baked for 15-20. The peppers are still crisp, which I love. I hate mushy vegetables. And vegetables retain more nutrients when they are not cooked too much.

This is a perfect dinner for a busy night. I hope you enjoy it.

Southwest Style Stuffed Peppers

1 can hominy

2 teaspoons cumin seed

1 cup picante sauce

1 rotisserie chicken, chopped and de-skinned

2/3 cup canned black beans, drained

1/3 cup chopped cilantro

2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexi-blend cheese

Garlic salt to taste

4 bell peppers of assorted colors (red and yellow are my favorite)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Drain hominy and place it in the food processor with cumin seed. Pulse until semi-smooth. Then pour in a large bowl. Add picante sauce, chicken, black beans and cilantro. Add 1 cup of cheese. Stir to thoroughly combine the mixture. Set aside.

Cut bell peppers in half and remove seeds and any veins. Stuff each half with the mixture. Then top with remaining cheese.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake 15-20 minutes. Peppers will still be crisp.