Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers with meat and rice – a delicious, traditional recipe that combines simple flavors with a perfect taste. This recipe is not only a fantastic choice for lunch or dinner but also a dish that evokes pleasant childhood memories when flavors intertwined with family stories. Stuffed peppers are also very versatile – you can adapt them according to your preferences or the available ingredients.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 1 kg ground meat (a delicious mix of beef and pork for a rich taste)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 cup of rice (approximately 200 g), well washed
- 14 suitable peppers (preferably medium-sized)
- Thyme, pepper (to taste)
- Hot pepper paste (optional, for an extra kick)
- Salt (to taste)
- 2 eggs (for better filling texture)
- 300 ml borscht (or tomato juice, if you prefer a sweeter option)
- 1 kg fresh tomatoes (for cooking and serving)
- 3 tablespoons of oil (for sautéing the tomatoes)

Step by step: How to prepare stuffed peppers

Step 1: Preparing the peppers
Start by washing the peppers well under cold running water, ensuring you remove any impurities. Use a sharp knife to remove the stem and seeds from the inside, being careful not to ruin their shape. It is important to choose peppers that are uniform and healthy, so that the filling does not leak during cooking.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the diced onion, washed rice, eggs, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix the ingredients well by hand or with a spatula, ensuring all flavors blend perfectly. If you like a spicy note, add a bit of hot pepper paste – this will give the filling a special taste.

Step 3: Stuffing the peppers
Use a spoon or your hands to fill each pepper with the prepared mixture, being careful not to overfill them. The rice will expand during cooking, so leave a little space to avoid overflowing the filling.

Step 4: Preparing the sauce
Chop the remaining tomatoes into cubes. In a pan, add the 3 tablespoons of oil and sauté the tomatoes over medium heat. Add a little salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. When the tomatoes turn into a paste, turn off the heat and set the sauce aside for later.

Step 5: Cooking the peppers
Stand the stuffed peppers upright in a tall pot. Pour the borscht over the peppers and top up with water so that they are completely covered. Put the lid on the pot and simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes. This time will allow the flavors to develop and the rice to cook perfectly.

Step 6: Finishing the dish
About 10 minutes before turning off the heat, add the previously prepared tomato sauce over the stuffed peppers, allowing them to simmer together to blend the flavors. You will notice how the enticing aroma fills your kitchen, anticipating a delicious meal.

Step 7: Serving
Serve the stuffed peppers warm, accompanied by a spoonful of sour cream. The sour cream will add a creamy note and balance the intense flavors of the dish. You can garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for a more attractive appearance.

Useful tips:
- Choosing the peppers: Opt for red or green peppers, depending on your preferences. Red peppers are sweeter, while green ones offer a more pronounced taste.
- Meat variation: You can experiment with different types of ground meat, such as turkey or chicken, for a lighter option.
- Add-ins: If you like vegetables, you can add grated carrots or zucchini to the filling for an extra boost of fiber and nutrients.
- Storage: These stuffed peppers keep well in the refrigerator and are even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is a good source of protein due to the ground meat and eggs, while the rice provides complex carbohydrates that offer long-lasting energy. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, especially lycopene, which is beneficial for heart health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use quick-cooking rice?
Yes, but you need to adjust the cooking time since quick-cooking rice cooks faster.

2. Is it possible to freeze the dish?
Yes, stuffed peppers can be frozen, but it is recommended to portion them before storing in the freezer.

3. What other dishes can they be paired with?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or warm polenta, which will add a crunchy texture and a pleasant contrast.

This stuffed pepper recipe with meat and rice is an excellent choice for any family meal, blending tradition with flavor. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a culinary experience that will leave unforgettable memories!