Sep 04 2026
RestaurantsTavern On the GreenJackfruit Stuffed Bell Pepper Recipe

Jackfruit Stuffed Bell Pepper Recipe

Time1h 15m
Serves6

Jackfruit Caponata, Black Beluga Lentils, Shishito Peppers

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Ingredients

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Jackfruit Caponata

Black Beluga Lentils

Method

Jackfruit Caponata

  1. 1

    Prepare jackfruit

    Drain canned jackfruit well, remove any tough core pieces, then using forks or your fingers shred the pieces into bite-sized strands so they mimic shredded meat. Pat lightly with paper towel to remove excess moisture.

  2. 2

    Sauté vegetables

    Heat 2 tbs olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery and cook 4–5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Cook eggplant and peppers

    Add the diced eggplant and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until eggplant is softened and beginning to brown. If the pan gets dry, add a splash of water or 1 tsp olive oil.

  4. 4

    Add jackfruit and tomatoes

    Stir in the shredded jackfruit and chopped tomatoes (or canned crushed). Cook 5 minutes until the jackfruit has warmed and absorbed some moisture and flavors.

  5. 5

    Finish caponata flavors

    Stir in capers, chopped olives, tomato paste, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixtures meld and liquids reduce. Taste and adjust salt, pepper or vinegar balance. Fold in chopped fresh basil off the heat.

Black Beluga Lentils

  1. 6

    Cook lentils

    Place rinsed lentils, vegetable stock (or water), and bay leaf in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer, partially covered. Cook 20–25 minutes until lentils are tender but hold shape. Remove bay leaf.

  2. 7

    Finish lentils

    Drain any excess liquid if necessary. Stir in 1 tsp olive oil, lemon zest, and 3/4 tsp salt. Keep warm and set aside.

Shishito Pepper Garnish & Peppers to Stuff

  1. 8

    Prepare bell peppers

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Trim the tops off the large bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. If needed, level the bottoms slightly so they sit upright in a baking dish. Lightly brush the inside and outside with 1 tbs olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt inside each pepper.

  2. 9

    Roast shishitos

    Toss shishito peppers with remaining 1 tbs olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. Spread on a small sheet pan and roast in the oven for 8–10 minutes until blistered and slightly charred, tossing once. Remove and set aside.

Assembly & Bake

  1. 10

    Combine filling

    Gently fold the warm black beluga lentils into the jackfruit caponata in the skillet until evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning; the filling should be savory with a hint of tang and slight sweetness.

  2. 11

    Stuff peppers

    Spoon the jackfruit-lentil filling into each prepared bell pepper, packing lightly but leaving the top ~1/4 inch of space. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a lightly oiled baking dish. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the filling if using, and finish with a light dusting of vegan Parmesan or grated pecorino if desired.

  3. 12

    Bake

    Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25–30 minutes until peppers are tender and filling is heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to allow tops to dry slightly.

  4. 13

    Garnish and serve

    Remove peppers from oven. Top each stuffed pepper with 1–2 blistered shishito peppers, a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and a fresh basil leaf. Serve hot.

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