Jason's Mozzarella & Calamondin Stuffed Pepper Boats

We love seeing how our community uses Big Mama’s Calamondin Vinaigrette in their daily cooking! Long-time customer Jason L. sent us this quick, flavor-packed dish. By sautéing sweet bell peppers and tender hearts of palm directly in the vinaigrette, the citrus reduces down into a savory glaze before being blanketed in melted mozzarella cheese.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

Servings: 2 to 4

Ingredients

  • ½ bottle Big Mama’s Calamondin Vinaigrette
  • 2 medium bell peppers (1 green, 1 yellow or orange), halved lengthwise and seeded to form 4 "boats"
  • 1 can (14 oz) whole hearts of palm, drained and patted dry (about 8 pieces)
  • ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Optional: Freshly cracked black pepper or chopped herbs for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet or sauté pan with a tight-fitting lid

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Veggies

  • Cut the bell peppers in half from stem to base. Clean out the seeds and white membranes to create open "boats."
  • If any hearts of palm pieces are extra long, trim them slightly to fit inside the pepper halves.

Step 2: Sauté in Big Mama’s Vinaigrette

  • Add a generous drizzle of Big Mama’s Calamondin Vinaigrette to your skillet over medium heat.
  • Sauté the bell pepper halves cut-side down for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned and tender, then flip.
  • Sauté the hearts of palm alongside the peppers (or separately in another splash of vinaigrette), turning occasionally as the citrus vinaigrette reduces into a rich, sweet-and-tangy glaze.

Step 3: Assemble & Cheese

  • Once the vinaigrette has reduced down to coat the hearts of palm, tuck 1 to 2 glazed pieces inside each pepper boat.
  • Generously top each stuffed pepper with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: The Low-Heat Melt (10 Minutes)

  • Reduce the stove burner to low (setting 2).
  • Cover the pan tightly with the lid to trap the steam.
  • Let cook covered on low for 10 minutes until the mozzarella is rich, bubbly, and completely melted.

Step 5: Serve

  • Use a spatula to carefully transfer the pepper boats to a platter. Serve warm as an appetizer, side dish, or light main course!
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