I would also just make the stuffing and enjoy it without the peppers. When I was a kid, one of our favourite meals was "Stuffed Green Peppers Without the Green Peppers", and also "Stuffed Green Peppers With Chopped Up Green Peppers". This second is how I think I will prepare this dish the next time. I really want to try the walnut sauce.
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I made the calabacitas for lunch today and it was good. I also finally made the Azorean stew for dinner, since I was already making something similar for DH. After tasting some of the beef, he pronounced the stew good, except that I would have to make it without the tomatoes for him to eat it.