Princess Diana’s Favorite Stuffed Peppers Revealed by Royal Chef

The Daily Culinary Preferences of Princess Diana

According to chef Darren McGrady, whose time in the royal household spanned more than a decade and a half, Princess Diana’s routine meals often bypassed traditional royal richness in favor of lighter, cleaner options. As reported in a recipe breakdown published by EatingWell, the sweet bell pepper dish stood out as a regular fixture on her menu, frequently appearing on her table multiple times within a single week.

McGrady noted that the Princess strictly avoided beef and consumed lamb only occasionally when hosting guests, opting instead for fish and vegetable-centric dishes like stuffed peppers and eggplants. This approach to nutrition aligned with a broader lifestyle choice favoring fresh ingredients, straightforward cooking methods, and balanced macronutrients without excess fats.

Recipe Components and Preparation Style

The stuffed bell pepper recipe favored by the Princess relies on accessible, seasonal ingredients designed for quick weeknight execution. According to McGrady’s published preparation method, the dish utilizes sweet bell peppers, olive oil, onions, zucchini, mushrooms, oregano, salt, pepper, tomatoes, and rice. The filling is bound with vegetable or chicken stock, fresh basil, and a finishing layer of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.

The preparation requires hollowing out whole bell peppers and baking them while the vegetable and rice filling simmers on the stovetop. Once combined and spooned into the peppers with cheese, the dish returns to the oven for a brief final bake. Because the rice cooks directly inside the filling alongside summer vegetables like zucchini and tomatoes, the meal functions as a complete, standalone course without requiring separate side dishes.

Beyond Stuffed Peppers: Other Royal Favorites

The focus on light, health-conscious eating extended to several other recurring items in the royal kitchens. McGrady has previously shared details on alternative dishes favored by the Princess, including poached salmon and baked potatoes. For the salmon, the preparation often involved a crunchy coating of macadamia nuts paired with citrus, herbs, honey, and orange juice to balance sweet and acidic flavor profiles.

Similarly, when preparing baked potatoes, traditional heavy fats were replaced with custom techniques to maintain crisp texture while aligning with her dietary goals.