Stuffed bell peppers with pork

Stuffed peppers with pork - a traditional recipe for family meals

Total preparation time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Welcome to the world of flavors and tastes! Today we will venture into making delicious stuffed peppers with pork, a recipe that not only satisfies hunger but also brings back childhood memories, reminding us of family meals gathered around a table full of goodies. These stuffed peppers are perfect for any occasion, and the combination of meat, rice, and fresh vegetables makes them not only tasty but also nutritious.

Let’s prepare to transform simple ingredients into true culinary masterpieces!

Ingredients

- 14 peppers (preferably the largest, to have enough room for stuffing)
- 1 kg ground pork
- 4 dried onions (choose quality onions for better taste)
- 100 g rice (preferably long-grain rice)
- 1 bunch of parsley (fresh, for flavor)
- 1 bunch of dill (fresh, for a distinctive taste)
- 1 bunch of carrots (2-3 medium-sized carrots)
- 2 eggs (to bind the mixture)
- 1 l of broth (or tomato juice)
- 4 tomatoes (to make the delicious lids)
- Oil (for sautéing)
- Salt, pepper, paprika (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of vegeta (optional, for extra flavor)
- A few sprigs of thyme (for a more complex taste)

Step by step: How to prepare stuffed peppers with pork

Step 1: Preparing the peppers

The first step is to carefully clean the peppers. We wash them both inside and out, being careful not to break them. Then, using a sharp knife, we remove the stem and seeds, creating a perfect container for stuffing. Once cleaned, we let the peppers drain in a bowl.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

In a pot, we add oil and sauté the finely chopped onion. This will add a delicious flavor to our filling. After a few minutes, we add the grated carrot and a tablespoon of paprika. We let the mixture sauté until the onion becomes transparent and the carrot releases its flavors.

Step 3: Adding the rice and meat

Once the onion and carrot are ready, we add the well-washed rice. We mix everything carefully and let it cook for a few minutes until the rice becomes slightly transparent. Now is the time to add the ground pork. We season with salt and pepper to taste and mix everything well. We let it cook until the water from the meat decreases and the mixture becomes thicker.

Step 4: Flavoring

Once the mixture has cooled slightly, we incorporate the finely chopped dill and parsley. These fresh herbs will add a vibrant taste. Then, we beat the two eggs and add them to the mixture, mixing well to bind all the ingredients.

Step 5: Stuffing the peppers

Now comes the fun part! We take each pepper and fill it with the meat mixture. Don’t forget to leave a little space at the top, as the rice will expand during cooking. After filling all the peppers, we place them in a deep pot. Each pepper can receive a lid made of tomatoes, which will add fantastic flavor.

Step 6: Cooking the peppers

We pour the broth over the peppers, adding water until it reaches the level of the peppers. We add the 2 tablespoons of vegeta for extra flavor. We bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, letting it simmer for about two hours. During this time, the flavors will combine, and the peppers will become extremely tasty.

Step 7: Preparing the sauce

When the peppers are almost done, we take care of the sauce. In a small pot, we sauté half of a small onion, finely chopped, in oil. We add a tablespoon of flour and let it sauté for a maximum of 3 minutes. Then, we pour in warm water and mix quickly to avoid lumps, until the mixture reaches the consistency of thick cream. We add the water in which the peppers boiled, to incorporate all the flavors. We season with vegeta and pepper and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Serving

The stuffed peppers with pork are ready! Serve them hot, covered with the obtained sauce, and you can add, if desired, a spoonful of yogurt or sour cream to enhance the flavor. They are delicious alongside a fresh salad, which will add a crunchy contrast.

Useful tips

- If you want to add a more intense flavor, try adding some spices like cumin or smoked paprika.
- You can experiment with the filling by adding vegetables like zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms.
- This recipe can also be adapted for roasted peppers, which will have a special taste.
- Store the stuffed peppers in the fridge, in an airtight container, to consume them in the following days.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe for stuffed peppers with pork is not only delicious but also nutritious. Peppers are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while pork provides essential proteins. The rice contributes carbohydrates, making this dish a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use beef instead of pork?
Yes, you can use beef, but the taste will be different. Also, chicken is a leaner option, but just as tasty.

2. Can stuffed peppers be frozen?
Yes, stuffed peppers can be frozen before cooking. Make sure they are well covered to prevent freezer burn.

3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, you can add more flour or a tomato puree. Also, letting the sauce simmer longer will help thicken it.

Personal note

This recipe for stuffed peppers with pork was passed down to me by my grandmother, who always gathered us around the table, sharing stories from her youth. Each serving of stuffed peppers is a reminder of family love and warmth. I encourage you to add your own story to each meal, thus transforming every dish into an unforgettable memory! Enjoy your meal!