Stuffed peppers, boiled in tomato sauce

Stuffed Peppers in Tomato Sauce - A Rustic and Comforting Delight

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 90 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 4-6

Discover the joy of cooking with this delicious recipe for stuffed peppers in tomato sauce, a savory combination that blends fresh and aromatic ingredients, perfect for a family meal or to impress guests. This recipe is not only tasty but also a healthy choice, based on lean chicken meat, rice, and fresh vegetables.

The history of this dish dates back to ancient times, being a popular method of preserving vegetables by stuffing them with meat and rice, then cooking them in a flavorful sauce. This is not just a recipe, but a tradition that brings people and stories together, celebrating pleasant moments spent at the table.

Ingredients:
- 8-10 meaty green peppers
- 1 kg lean chicken meat (chicken breast, skinless and boneless)
- 1 cup Basmati rice (about 6-7 tablespoons)
- 1 can diced tomatoes in Pomodoro sauce
- 1 liter of tomato juice
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground pink pepper
- Tarragon (optional)
- Fresh rosemary from your garden (or dried if you don't have fresh)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the peppers:
Start by cleaning the peppers. With a sharp knife, carefully cut off the top of each pepper, making sure not to damage it. Remove the seeds and white parts inside for a better taste. Rinse the peppers under cold running water to remove any impurities.

2. Preparing the filling:
In a food processor, chop the chicken meat until fine. Transfer the meat to a large bowl. Add the washed and drained Basmati rice, salt, pink pepper, and a few finely chopped rosemary leaves. The rosemary will provide a subtle aroma and a distinct flavor to the dish. Mix all the ingredients well with a spatula or your hands until you have a homogeneous mixture.

3. Stuffing the peppers:
Using a spoon, fill each pepper with the meat and rice mixture. Make sure the filling does not exceed the edges of the pepper to avoid spills during cooking. Place the cut top back on each pepper to retain moisture while boiling.

4. Preparing the sauce:
In a large pot, arrange the stuffed peppers, being careful not to overcrowd them. Pour tomato juice over the peppers and add the diced tomatoes in sauce. This will form the base of the sauce, and the flavors will combine perfectly during cooking.

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Let it simmer for 90 minutes on low heat. The sauce will thicken, and the peppers will become soft and flavorful.

6. Serving:
After cooking, let the peppers rest for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them with a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt, which will add a creamy note and balance the intense flavor of the sauce. Also, a glass of buttermilk can be an excellent choice to complement the meal.

Useful tips:
- If you want a spicier version, you can add a few slices of hot pepper to the filling or in the tomato sauce.
- Substitute chicken meat with beef or pork for a different flavor profile.
- You can add chopped vegetables like carrots or zucchini to the filling to enrich the dish and make it even healthier.

Nutritional information:
These stuffed peppers are an excellent source of protein, thanks to the chicken meat, and contain complex carbohydrates from the rice, making them a good choice for a balanced meal. Additionally, tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use brown rice instead of Basmati rice?
Yes, but the cooking time will be longer, so make sure the rice is properly cooked before stuffing the peppers.

- Can stuffed peppers be frozen?
Absolutely! You can freeze the stuffed peppers before cooking them. Just make sure to place them in an airtight container, and when you're ready to cook them, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

This recipe for stuffed peppers in tomato sauce is not only a tasty dish but also an opportunity to enjoy pleasant moments with loved ones around the table. Enjoy your meal!