Stuffed peppers in the oven

Delicious baked stuffed peppers recipe - an explosion of flavors and colors

Welcome to the culinary world, where every ingredient tells its story, and every recipe is an opportunity to create delicious memories! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a classic yet always loved recipe: baked stuffed peppers. This recipe is not only tasty but also a visual feast, thanks to the vibrant colors of the peppers. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 100 minutes
Total time: 130 minutes
Number of servings: 10 peppers

Ingredients:
- 10 bell peppers of different colors (red, yellow, green)
- 500 g minced pork (or a mix of pork and beef for a more complex flavor)
- 1 cup rice (preferably long grain for better texture)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs (or quail eggs for a refined touch)
- 1 teaspoon mixed peppercorns (white, black, pink for an interesting flavor)
- 2 bay leaves
- Dried dill (or fresh if available)
- Dried parsley (or fresh for an extra touch of freshness)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (about 400g)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- Dried basil (optional, for a Mediterranean flavor)

Brief history
Stuffed peppers are a recipe that has crossed generations, being reinterpreted in countless variations around the world. This recipe has been brought to us by the culinary traditions of the peoples of Southeastern Europe, where bell pepper is a staple ingredient. Every family has its own secret in its filling, and today, I propose a classic version with a personal touch.

Step by step

Step 1: Prepare the peppers
Start by washing the peppers well under a stream of cold water. Choose peppers of different colors for a vibrant platter. Using a sharp knife, remove the stem, seeds, and inner ribs. This will not only make the peppers more aesthetically pleasing but will also allow the filling to penetrate better.

Step 2: Prepare the filling
In a large bowl, add the minced meat, finely chopped onion, rinsed rice (this is an essential step to remove excess starch), eggs, salt, pepper, dill, and parsley. Mix all the ingredients well, using your hands to ensure everything is homogeneous.

Step 3: Fill the peppers
Each pepper is filled with the meat and rice mixture, being careful not to overfill them, as the rice will expand during cooking. Place the stuffed peppers in a large stainless steel tray, ensuring they stand upright.

Step 4: Prepare the tomato sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes with salt, brown sugar, dried basil, and cornstarch dissolved in a little cold water. This combination will create a tasty sauce that will perfectly complement the peppers.

Step 5: Bake
Over the peppers in the tray, add 2 cups of water, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Cover the tray with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 180°C for 100 minutes. The cover will retain moisture and allow the peppers to cook evenly.

Step 6: Finish the dish
After the baking time has expired, remove the tray from the oven and remove the aluminum foil. Pour the tomato sauce over the water and mix gently, being careful not to break the peppers. Sprinkle a little fresh dill or parsley on top and return the tray to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

Useful tips
- Variations of the filling: You can try adding mushrooms or grated zucchini to the filling for a touch of freshness. Also, feta or mozzarella cheese can add a creamy texture.
- Serving: These stuffed peppers are delicious served with sour cream or Greek yogurt on top. A fresh green salad will also perfectly complement the meal.
- Storage: You can keep leftover peppers in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. The flavor gets even better the next day!

Nutritional benefits
Peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants, while meat and rice provide necessary proteins and carbohydrates. This recipe is balanced and can become part of a healthy diet.

Calories
On average, a stuffed pepper contains about 300-350 calories, depending on the type of meat and additional ingredients used. It is a hearty yet healthy meal, full of nutrients.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I replace the meat with a vegetarian alternative?
Yes, you can use soy mince or a combination of vegetables and quinoa for a delicious vegetarian option.

2. How can I make the recipe spicier?
Add chopped hot peppers to the filling or use chili sauce in the tomato sauce for a flavor kick.

3. Is it possible to cook stuffed peppers in a pressure cooker?
Absolutely! This is a quick and efficient option. Cook them for 20-25 minutes under pressure.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Baked stuffed peppers are a versatile dish, full of flavor and love. Enjoy your meal!