Stuffed peppers with potatoes

Delicious stuffed peppers with potatoes recipe - an easy and vegan choice

When it comes to delicious and simple dishes, stuffed peppers with potatoes are an excellent choice! This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also brings a fantastic taste, perfect for a family meal or to impress friends. Moreover, it is a vegan recipe that can be adapted in numerous ways. Let's discover together how we can transform a few simple ingredients into something truly special!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 3 servings

Ingredients:
- 4-5 medium-sized potatoes
- 3 peppers (preferably green or red, for a nice contrast)
- 2 small onions (you can use white or yellow onion, depending on your preference)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- Oil, for greasing the tray
- 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan (optional, for a more intense flavor)
- Cheese (optional, for serving)

Recipe history:
Stuffed peppers are a traditional dish in many culinary cultures, each region having its own variant. Whether filled with meat, rice, or vegetables, these peppers are often associated with family meals and the goodies prepared with love. In this recipe, we chose a vegan version, but with a rich taste, thanks to the potatoes and spices.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by peeling the potatoes. Choose quality, firm, unblemished potatoes. New potatoes are ideal for this recipe, but you can also use older ones. Cut them into large cubes for quicker boiling.

2. Boiling the potatoes:
Place the chopped potatoes in a pot with cold water and add salt. Boil them for 15-20 minutes or until they become soft but not mushy. Check them with a fork – if it goes in easily, they are ready! After boiling, drain them and let them cool slightly, then mash them with a fork or a potato masher.

3. Preparing the filling:
In a pan, add a little oil and sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and starts to release its aroma. Add the tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Here you can also add spices like sweet paprika or herbs such as oregano or basil for extra flavor.

4. Mixing the filling:
Once the filling is ready, add it to the mashed potatoes. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous mixture. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. If desired, you can also add some finely chopped green or black olives for extra flavor.

5. Filling the peppers:
Wash the peppers well and cut off the tops, removing the seeds. Fill each pepper with the potato mixture, leaving a little space at the top for parmesan. If you prefer, you can skip the parmesan and add it only at the end, after baking.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a tray with oil and place the stuffed peppers in the tray. Put the lid on each pepper, if available. Bake the peppers for 40-45 minutes, turning them occasionally for even browning. This is when the aroma will spread throughout the house!

7. Serving:
Once the peppers are ready and have a beautifully browned hue, take them out of the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving. You can add cubed or sliced cheese on top – it will melt slightly due to the heat of the peppers, adding a creamy and delicious flavor.

Serving suggestions:
These stuffed peppers with potatoes are perfect to be served with a fresh salad of tomatoes and cucumbers or with a portion of Greek yogurt, which will bring a refreshing contrast. You can accompany the dish with a refreshing drink, such as mint tea or a natural fruit juice.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other vegetables for the filling?
Yes! You can add grated carrots, zucchini, or even cooked lentils to diversify the filling.

2. How can I make the recipe spicier?
Add finely chopped hot pepper to the filling or sprinkle some hot paprika.

3. What other cheese combinations can I use?
You can try feta cheese, telemea cheese, or mozzarella for a different taste.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is high in fiber, thanks to the potatoes and peppers, and contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates. Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6. Additionally, peppers are full of antioxidants, helping to strengthen the immune system.

Personalized variant:
If you want to add a touch of originality to the dish, you can add some olives or capers to the filling, offering a vibrant Mediterranean taste. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, depending on your personal preferences.

In conclusion, stuffed peppers with potatoes are a simple yet flavorful recipe that can be easily adapted based on available ingredients. Don't hesitate to experiment and personalize them to your taste! Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!