Stuffed peppers

Stuffed Peppers Recipe with Meat and Vegetables

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

Who doesn't love the enticing aromas of stuffed peppers? This classic recipe has been passed down through generations, and while every family has its own version, the key to success lies in choosing the right ingredients and cooking technique. Stuffed peppers are not just a hearty meal, but also an explosion of colors and flavors that will delight your senses.

Ingredients:

- 10 bell peppers (preferably in varied colors for an appealing look)
- 400 g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for added flavor)
- 1 medium eggplant
- 1 large zucchini
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 medium onions
- 125 g round rice (to absorb flavors well)
- 50 ml olive oil
- 100 g tomato paste
- About half a bunch of fresh dill
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

Preparing the Peppers:

1. Prepare the peppers: Start by washing the bell peppers well. Carefully cut off the top of each pepper and remove the seeds. It's important to poke a few holes in the top to allow steam to escape during cooking, which will help achieve a tender and tasty interior.

2. Prepare the filling: Peel and chop the onion, zucchini, eggplant, and red pepper. Put them together in a blender and blend until you have a smooth paste. This combination of vegetables will not only add flavor but also keep the filling moist.

3. Sauté the vegetables: In a pot, add the olive oil and sauté the blended vegetables over medium heat. Stir constantly to avoid sticking and uneven cooking. Continue until there is no water left in the pot, about 10-15 minutes.

4. Add the meat: Once the vegetables are sautéed, add the ground meat. Mix well so that the meat breaks into small pieces and doesn't form clumps. Cook until the meat is nicely browned.

5. Add the rice and seasonings: Incorporate the rice, finely chopped dill, and tomato paste. Let the mixture cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Filling the Peppers:

6. Fill the peppers: Using a spoon, fill each pepper with the mixture, being careful not to overfill, as the rice will expand during cooking. Place them in a large pot, with the opening facing up.

Cooking the Peppers:

7. Cooking on the stove: Add a little water, a bit of oil, and, if desired, a splash of tomato juice to the pot. Season with salt. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 1 hour. It is essential to keep the heat low to allow the peppers to cook evenly and absorb the flavors.

Serving:

8. Cook to perfection: Check the water level in the pot from time to time. After an hour, the peppers should be tender, and the filling well-cooked.

Serving suggestions: These stuffed peppers pair wonderfully with a refreshing tzatziki sauce, which will balance the rich flavors of the filling. You can also add a fresh salad on the side for a pleasant contrast.

Nutritional information: This recipe provides a good source of protein from the meat, fiber from the vegetables, and carbohydrates from the rice, making it a balanced meal. Each serving has approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of meat and oil used.

Possible variations: You can experiment with different types of meat, such as chicken or turkey, or make a vegetarian version using quinoa or lentils. You can also add spices like cumin or paprika for an extra flavor boost.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other vegetables for the filling? Of course, you can add carrots, mushrooms, or even cheese to diversify the taste.
- Can stuffed peppers be frozen? Yes, it's a great idea to prepare an extra batch and freeze it. Make sure they are completely cooled before putting them in the freezer.
- What other sauces go well with stuffed peppers? Besides tzatziki, garlic yogurt sauce or even a spicy tomato sauce are delicious options.

I recommend trying this stuffed pepper recipe, enjoying every step of the process, and sharing the result with your loved ones. Cooking is an art, and this recipe is a perfect opportunity to express your creativity in the kitchen!