Stuffed peppers with meat

Stuffed Peppers with Meat: A Classic Recipe with a Personal Touch

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Who doesn't love the enticing aroma of stuffed peppers with meat, slowly cooking on the stove, filling the entire house with a comforting warmth? This stuffed pepper recipe is more than just a simple dish; it's a family story, a symbol of comfort and joy around the table. Whether you're preparing to surprise guests or treating yourself to a delicious family meal, stuffed peppers are the perfect choice. Let's get started!

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g peppers (preferably bell peppers)
- 400 g minced meat (pork, beef, or a mix)
- 40 g rice (about ½ cup)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 300 ml tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 500 ml water
- 1 tomato (for decoration)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying

Step by step in preparing stuffed peppers:

1. Preparing the peppers:
Start by washing the peppers well. Cut off the tops and carefully remove the seeds. Place them upside down to drain any excess water. This step is important as it helps eliminate excess moisture, preventing your delicious filling from becoming diluted.

2. Preparing the filling:
Finely chop the onion and sauté it in a little olive oil until it becomes translucent and slightly golden. This process will add depth of flavor to your dish. In a bowl, combine the minced meat, rice, sautéed onion, salt, pepper, and finely chopped parsley. Mix the ingredients well with a spoon or by hand to ensure that each piece of meat is well coated with the spices.

3. Filling the peppers:
Using a spoon, fill each pepper with the meat mixture, leaving a little space at the top to allow the rice to expand during cooking. Place a slice of tomato on each pepper; this not only adds a nice appearance but also a burst of juice and flavor.

4. Cooking the peppers:
In a large pot, add a little olive oil and fry the stuffed peppers on all sides until the skin becomes slightly brown. This step will give a pleasant texture to the peppers and enhance the flavor. Once browned, add the water and cover the pot with a lid. Let the peppers simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.

5. Adding the tomato sauce:
After 20 minutes, add the tomato sauce to the pot. This will bring a rich flavor and ideal moisture to finish cooking. Cover the pot again and let it simmer for about 1 hour on low heat. Check occasionally to ensure the peppers are not sticking to the bottom of the pot; you can add a little water if necessary.

6. Serving:
When the peppers are ready, carefully remove them from the pot and place them on a platter. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and, if desired, add a spoonful of sour cream for extra creaminess. Enjoy your meal!

Useful tips and variations:

- You can experiment with different types of meat. A combination of pork and beef offers a rich flavor, while chicken makes the dish lighter.
- Add spices like cumin or sweet paprika to the meat mixture for an exotic touch.
- If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with chopped mushrooms or a mix of vegetables (zucchini, carrots, even lentils).
- Serve the stuffed peppers with a fresh salad or a side of plain rice to balance the meals.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 330 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g

Stuffed peppers with meat are not just a delicious recipe, but also a dish that brings people together. Whether you serve them during a festive meal or as a hearty lunch during the week, they will surely please everyone. Try this recipe and leave me a comment about how it turned out! And remember, cooking is an art, so feel free to add your personal touch.