Yield: 2 dozen or 4 servings

I have often thought that I’m not sure I have a cooking style. But if I had to say, it would be a tendency toward small light, healthy and colorful bites with a nod toward global fusion…like these cute little pepper packages.

1 dozen mini bell peppers approximately 3 inches long (mine were tricolor color yellow orange and red), halved length-wise, stems left intact

1/2 cup water

10 ounces riced cauliflower

1/2 cup diced yellow or red onion

2 large cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or more to taste

4 tablespoons vegan butter

2 teaspoons rubbed sage

4 teaspoons roasted and lightly salted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or pine nuts

Optional: 8 or so fresh sage leaves, either raw or frizzled in skillet

Preheat oven to 450° and oil an 8-inch glass or ceramic casserole dish. In a large skillet, bring water and salt to a simmer over medium heat. Add cauliflower, onion, garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until all moisture is absorbed. Reduce heat to low and stir in pumpkin and Italian seasoning until completely combined. Lay bell pepper halves in casserole dish in concentric circles or however you would like to arrange them. Spoon filling into peppers and, if there is any leftover, you can tuck a little between the peppers. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until peppers are very tender and filling is hot. Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan, add sage, whisk together, and set aside. When peppers are finished cooking, remove dish from oven, and drizzle butter over the top, saving a little for presentation if you would like. Divide peppers among four dishes and drizzle any remaining butter over the top. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or pine nuts and optional fresh sage leaves. Serve immediately.

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