Stuffed peppers in tomato sauce

Delicious stuffed peppers in tomato sauce

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Stuffed peppers are a classic dish that combines the flavors of fresh vegetables with the savoriness of meat, all covered in a rich and fragrant tomato sauce. This recipe is not just a simple meal, but a true culinary experience, full of history and tradition, that will remind you of family gatherings.

Ingredients needed:

- 3 medium onions
- 4 small carrots
- 8 bell peppers (green, red, and yellow)
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 small celery
- 1 cup of rice (about 200g)
- 1 kg mixed meat (beef, pork, chicken)
- Fresh dill (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (to taste)
- Spices: pepper, oregano, thyme, basil, bay leaves
- Salt (to taste)
- 200g tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for a sweet-spicy sauce)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tomatoes (to cover the peppers)

Recipe preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the vegetables

Start by finely chopping the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. This combination of vegetables will add a special flavor to the mixture. Use a sharp knife to get even cubes, which will help with even cooking.

Step 2: Sautéing the vegetables

In a large skillet, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots and sauté for 5 minutes until they become translucent. Add the celery and chopped garlic and let it cook for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a little water to help sauté the vegetables if necessary.

Step 3: Adding the meat

When the vegetables are ready, add the minced meat and mix well. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs (oregano, thyme, basil). Cook the mixture for 10-15 minutes, stirring continuously until the meat is well cooked.

Step 4: Preparing the rice

After the meat is cooked, add the washed rice (preferably long-grain rice for better texture) and let it soak in the meat and vegetable mixture for a few minutes. Then, transfer the mixture to a strainer to drain the excess fat.

Step 5: Assembling the filling

Once the mixture has cooled, add the beaten eggs and chopped dill. Mix well to integrate all the ingredients. Now, the filling is ready to be used!

Step 6: Preparing the peppers

Meanwhile, prepare the bell peppers. Cut off the top and remove the seeds, making sure to clean them well. You can use peppers of different colors to add a pleasing vibrant look to your dish.

Step 7: Filling the peppers

Fill each pepper with the meat and rice mixture, then place the top made from slices of tomatoes on top. This will not only add a delicious taste but will also help retain moisture inside.

Step 8: Cooking the peppers

In a large pot, arrange the stuffed peppers and add water up to the level of the lids. Cover the pot and let the peppers simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes. During this time, the tomato sauce will form, and the flavors will penetrate the peppers.

Step 9: Creating the sauce

When the peppers are almost ready, add the tomato paste, crushed garlic, additional spices, and a tablespoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Let everything simmer together for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 10: Serving

Finally, sprinkle fresh green parsley over the peppers and serve them hot, alongside a serving of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or herbal tea to complement the flavors.

Tips and useful advice:

- If you want a richer sauce, you can add a few tablespoons of sour cream at the end.
- For a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with mushrooms or a combination of vegetables and nuts.
- Stuffed peppers can be frozen before cooking. Place them in airtight containers and keep them for a quick meal in the future.
- If you like spicy flavors, add chili flakes to the meat mixture.

Nutritional benefits:

This recipe is rich in protein due to the meat and eggs, while the vegetables provide an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants. A serving of stuffed peppers can contain about 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a balanced and filling meal, perfect for the whole family.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Of course! You can experiment with turkey or ground beef.

2. What other spices can I use to diversify the flavor?
Try cardamom, cumin, or coriander for an exotic note.

3. How can I prevent the peppers from becoming too soft?
Make sure not to boil them too much and cook them on low heat.

In conclusion, stuffed peppers in tomato sauce are not just a family recipe, but also an opportunity to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Try this delicious recipe and enjoy every bite!