Stuffed peppers

Stuffed Peppers with Meat and Tomato Sauce Recipe: A Delicacy for All Occasions

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Are you dreaming of a meal that combines tradition with authentic flavors? Stuffed peppers are a wonderful choice, being a dish that not only delights the taste buds but also brings the family together around the table. This simple yet savory recipe will transform your kitchen into a culinary paradise. Let's begin the adventure!

Ingredients

- 10 bell peppers (either fresh or pickled)
- 600 g minced meat (you can use beef, pork, or a mix)
- 3 medium onions
- 1 small carrot
- 4 tablespoons rice (preferably long-grain)
- 3 medium tomatoes (for the lid)
- about 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 100 ml sunflower or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons flour
- a few sprigs of fresh dill
- fresh parsley
- salt and pepper, to taste

Preparing the Tomato Sauce

1. Preparing the onion: Start by finely chopping the onion. In a frying pan, add a cup of water and the oil. Place the pan over medium heat.
2. Sautéing the onion: When the onion becomes translucent and soft, add the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the magic begins – the aroma of the sautéed onion combined with the tomato paste will give your sauce a unique flavor.

Preparing the Peppers

3. Preparing the peppers: If you are using pickled peppers, make sure to soak them for 2 hours before use. Wash the fresh peppers well and remove their stems, being careful not to break them.
4. Cleaning the vegetables: Peel the remaining onion and the carrot. Grate the carrot on a fine grater. Rinse the rice well to remove the starch.

Filling the Peppers

5. Preparing the filling: In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, onion, grated carrot, drained rice, chopped dill, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
6. Filling the peppers: Fill each pepper with the meat mixture, leaving about a 5 mm gap for the tomato lid.

Cooking the Peppers

7. Placing in the pot: Place the stuffed peppers in a deep pot. Cover them with water and add salt to taste. Put the pot on the heat.
8. Initial boiling: Once the water starts to boil, transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 180°C. Let the peppers simmer over medium heat for about 1 hour.

Finalizing the Dish

9. Adding the sauce: After an hour, pour the previously prepared tomato sauce over the peppers in the pot. Let them simmer together for another 10 minutes.
10. Thickening the sauce: Dissolve the flour in a little water and add it to the pot. Stir gently and let everything simmer for another 10 minutes.
11. Finishing: Before serving, add the chopped parsley, which will add a fresh and aromatic note.

Serving

Serving the stuffed peppers is a moment of joy! You can choose to accompany them with a spoonful of sour cream, which will add a creamy texture and balance the flavors. They pair excellently with a summer salad for a refreshing touch.

Variations and Tips

- Variations: You can experiment with various fillings by adding mushrooms, brown rice, or even feta cheese for a more sophisticated touch.
- Tips: If you desire a more intense flavor, you can add some spices like sweet or hot paprika, or even a pinch of cinnamon to the meat filling.
- Storage: Stuffed peppers keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and the flavor gets even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe offers an excellent balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins, with an approximate caloric intake of 350-400 kcal per serving. The minced meat provides essential proteins, while the peppers and vegetables contribute a significant amount of vitamins and minerals.

Essentially, stuffed peppers are not only a culinary delicacy but also a healthy choice, perfect for a family dinner or a festive meal. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by its rich flavors!

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken or turkey for a lighter version.

- What should I do if I don't have tomato paste?
You can use fresh crushed tomatoes or store-bought tomato sauce.

- Can stuffed peppers be frozen?
Yes, stuffed peppers can be frozen, but it is recommended to boil them before freezing.

I conclude this recipe with the hope that you will bring this delicious dish to your table and that it will become a beloved recipe in your family. Enjoy your meal!