Transylvanian stuffed peppers

Stuffed Peppers Transylvanian Style – A Recipe Full of Tradition and Flavor

If you're looking for a delicious stuffed peppers recipe that transports you to the heart of culinary traditions, you've come to the right place! This Transylvanian stuffed peppers recipe is inspired by the recipes of a dear friend's mother, bringing a touch of personality and an unmistakable taste. So, let's embark together on a journey through flavors and natural ingredients to create a dish that will impress family and friends!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients:
- 500 g minced meat (preferably a mix of pork and beef)
- 10 bell peppers (preferably kapia type)
- 2 small onions
- 1 leek
- 1 tomato (for filling) + 3 tomatoes (for sauce)
- ½ kapia pepper
- 6 tablespoons of rice
- Salt, pepper, and paprika (to taste)
- Oil (for sautéing)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 10 tablespoons of borscht (or to taste)

Ingredient details:
Minced meat is the base of this dish. You can use pork, beef, or a combination, depending on your preferences. Bell peppers are essential for creating a juicy and flavorful filling, and fresh vegetables like onion and leek will add extra flavor. The rice will contribute to the consistency of the filling, absorbing the flavors from the meat and vegetables. Fresh parsley provides a note of freshness, while borscht adds a pleasant acidity to the sauce.

Step by step – How to prepare Transylvanian stuffed peppers:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by cleaning and washing the onion and leek. Chop them finely and set aside. The kapia pepper and the tomato for filling should also be cleaned of seeds, and the pepper will be diced. The tomato for the sauce should be grated after removing the skin.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a pan, add a little oil and let it heat up. Add the onion and leek, letting them cook on low heat for about 10 minutes until they become soft and slightly translucent.

3. Adding the pepper and tomato: After the vegetables have softened, add the diced kapia pepper and the grated tomato. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool.

4. Preparing the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water and boil it in boiling water for 5 minutes. This step is essential for having perfectly cooked rice in the filling.

5. Preparing the filling: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetable mixture, the boiled rice, and the minced meat. Add the chopped parsley, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

6. Filling the peppers: Wash the bell peppers and clean them of seeds. Fill each pepper with the obtained mixture, being careful not to overfill them, as the rice will expand during cooking.

7. Preparing the sauce: Peel the remaining 3 tomatoes, grate them, and mix them with 2 cups of water, a little salt, and the borscht. You can add oil and mix well.

8. Cooking the peppers: Place the stuffed peppers in a larger pot, facing up, and pour the obtained sauce over them. Cover the pot with a lid and let them simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes, or until the peppers are well cooked.

Tips & Tricks:
- If you want to add a spicy note to the dish, you can add a finely chopped hot pepper to the filling.
- A vegetarian option could include replacing the meat with mushrooms or textured soy, while keeping the other ingredients.
- Serve stuffed peppers with a slice of fresh bread or alongside a crunchy summer salad.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the meat and egg, while also providing a good source of fiber from the vegetables and rice. Tomatoes are an excellent source of antioxidants, especially lycopene, which contributes to heart health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen peppers? It is not recommended, as the texture will not be the same. Use fresh peppers for the best results.
- How can I store stuffed peppers? You can keep them in the refrigerator in airtight containers for 3-4 days. They can also be frozen, but it's best to boil them before freezing.

Serving suggestions:
Transylvanian stuffed peppers pair perfectly with sour cream or yogurt, adding a creamy and refreshing contrast. Additionally, a portion of warm polenta will perfectly complete the meal.

In conclusion, Transylvanian stuffed peppers are an excellent choice for a family meal or a special occasion. This recipe is not only delicious but also rich in history and tradition, bringing together people and stories. I hope you enjoy every bite and share this recipe with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!