Stuffed Peppers and Sauce

To create a delicious and aromatic dish, we start by peeling the tomatoes of their skin and seeds, then cutting them into small cubes. This step is essential, as the tomatoes will bring a touch of freshness and a vibrant taste to the final dish. Next, we remove the seeds and membranes from the halved peppers, being careful to keep the stems, which will add a pleasant appearance and a rustic note. The green onion is sliced into thin rings, and the parsley is finely chopped to enhance its aroma.

In a pan, we melt the butter and once it is heated, we add the rice. We sauté the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until it becomes slightly browned. This will give the rice a pleasant texture and a special taste. After the rice is browned, we add the cleaned and sliced mushrooms, continuing to sauté the mixture for 3-4 minutes, until the juice released by the mushrooms evaporates, and the ingredients combine harmoniously. At this point, we add enough warm water to cover the rice and, on low heat, let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, being careful to add more warm water if necessary, until the rice is perfectly cooked.

Once the rice is cooked, we add the tomato cubes and, after 3-4 minutes, the green onion. We let everything simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces almost completely, and the flavors blend. We set the mixture aside, add the chopped green parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Now is the perfect time to fill the halved peppers with this delicious mixture.

In a greased heat-resistant dish, we place the stuffed peppers and put them in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 30-45 minutes, or until the peppers become golden and browned. In the meantime, we prepare the sauce. In a pan, we sauté a little flour in the heated butter, then extinguish with milk, letting it simmer on low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Once the sauce reaches the desired consistency, we add the melted cheese, crumbled telemea, and sour cream, mixing carefully until smooth.

Finally, we set the sauce aside, add the green parsley, and adjust the taste with salt and pepper. The stuffed peppers are now ready, and for a special presentation, we serve them warm, alongside a creamy and aromatic cheese sauce. This recipe is not only delicious but also full of colors and aromas, perfect for bringing joy to the table of loved ones.