Stuffed peppers with cheese, paprika, and dill

Stuffed peppers with cheese, paprika, and dill

If you are looking for a quick, fresh, and absolutely delicious appetizer, you have come to the perfect recipe: stuffed peppers with cheese, paprika, and dill. This recipe is not only simple but also extremely versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your tastes. Whether you serve them at a party, at a family meal, or simply as a healthy snack, these stuffed peppers will surely become a favorite.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

- 3 peppers (red, yellow, orange) – the choice of colors is not just aesthetic but also a way to add a splash of joy to the plate.
- 500 g fresh cheese (telemea, burduf cheese, or any other preferred creamy cheese) – choose a cheese with character that matches your favorite flavors.
- 50 g butter – to add a rich texture to the filling.
- 1 bunch of fresh dill – dill will bring extra freshness and a fragrant taste.
- 1 small onion – adds a slightly sweet note and a distinctive flavor.
- 1-2 tablespoons of sweet paprika – for flavor and color.
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t forget to season properly!

A bit of history:

Stuffed peppers are a classic recipe found in many culinary cultures. This technique of stuffing vegetables with various fillings has been used for centuries, with deep roots in diverse gastronomic traditions. Generally, fillings range from meat to cheese, vegetables, or grains, but the combination of cheese, paprika, and dill is truly special and brings a fresh breath to classic dishes.

Preparing stuffed peppers:

1. Wash the peppers: Start by washing the peppers well under a stream of cold water. This step is essential to remove any impurities.

2. Clean the peppers: Using a sharp knife, cut off the top of each pepper (the cap) and remove the seeds and inner ribs. Make sure to leave a spacious "cup" for the filling.

3. Prepare the filling: In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. This step will intensify the flavors, and the onion will add a delicious taste to the filling.

4. Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the chosen cheese, sautéed onion, finely chopped dill, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. You can use a fork to mash the cheese, achieving a more homogeneous texture.

5. Stuff the peppers: Use a spoon or a piping bag to fill each pepper with the cheese mixture. Make sure the filling is well compacted, but do not overfill, as the cheese may expand during cooking.

6. Cook the peppers: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, and if desired, you can add a little water to the dish to prevent sticking. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes, until they become slightly browned and the cheese is melted.

7. Serving: You can serve the peppers warm or at room temperature. A wonderful idea is to garnish them with a few fresh dill leaves or a drizzle of olive oil on top. This detail adds not only aesthetics but also an extra layer of flavor.

Serving suggestions: These stuffed peppers pair wonderfully with a green salad or a side of plain yogurt. You can also try a spicy tomato sauce to enhance the flavors.

Recipe variations:
- Replace the cheese with a mix of goat cheese and feta for a more intense flavor.
- Add some finely chopped olives to the filling for a Mediterranean touch.
- Try using fresh herbs like parsley or basil instead of dill to add another dimension of flavor.

Nutritional information:
These stuffed peppers are not only delicious but also quite healthy, being low in calories, packed with protein from cheese, and vitamins from vegetables. A serving contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the type of cheese used.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use different peppers? Yes, you can use green peppers or even chili peppers for a spicy note.
- Can this recipe be prepared in advance? Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and just stuff the peppers on the day of the event.
- What drinks pair well with this appetizer? A dry white wine or a mint lemonade cocktail are excellent choices to accompany these delicious appetizers.

Now that you have all the necessary information, don’t hesitate to try this recipe for stuffed peppers with cheese, paprika, and dill. It’s a wonderful way to impress your guests and add a splash of color and flavor to your meal. Enjoy!