Stuffed peppers with rice for fasting

Delicious stuffed peppers with rice recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6

A brief story about stuffed peppers:
Stuffed peppers are a traditional dish found in many cultures, often associated with family meals and celebrations. This recipe for stuffed peppers with rice is a simple yet flavorful variation that satisfies both vegetarians and those observing fasting. With a perfect combination of healthy and aromatic ingredients, these peppers quickly become a favorite at any meal.

Necessary ingredients:
- 4-6 bell peppers (preferably in different colors for an attractive appearance)
- 200 g rice (preferably long-grain rice)
- 2 medium onions
- 400 g tomato paste (or 2-3 ripe tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons hot pepper paste (optional)
- 4-5 tomatoes for sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large potato (to cover the peppers)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the peppers:
- Start by washing the peppers well under cold running water. Then, carefully cut the top off each pepper and remove the seeds. Allow them to drain well in a colander or on a kitchen towel.

2. Washing the rice:
- Choose the desired rice and wash it under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch, preventing the grains from sticking together during cooking.

3. Preparing the filling:
- Peel and finely chop the onions. In a pan, add the 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté the onions over medium heat until they become translucent.
- Chop one pepper (you can use a smaller pepper or part of one) and add it to the onions. Sauté the mixture for a few minutes.
- Add the hot pepper paste and tomato paste over the onions and pepper, mixing everything well.
- Pour in a cup of water and let the mixture boil.

4. Adding the rice:
- When the water starts to boil, add the washed rice, being careful not to add too much. The rice will only cook halfway, so it doesn't become too soft.
- Mix well, then turn off the heat and let the filling cool slightly.

5. Stuffing the peppers:
- Fill each pepper with the rice mixture, being careful not to overstuff them. Use a spoon to help you.
- Cut the potato into thicker slices and place a slice on top of each stuffed pepper. This not only helps with even cooking but also adds a pleasant flavor.

6. Preparing the sauce:
- Cut the tomatoes into cubes and place them at the bottom of a deep pot. This layer will contribute to the flavor of the dish.
- Place the stuffed peppers on top of the tomatoes and pour the remaining diluted tomato paste with a little water so that the peppers are covered about ¾.

7. Cooking the peppers:
- Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil. When it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.

Practical tips:
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the rice filling.
- Make sure not to overfill the peppers, as the rice will continue to swell during cooking.
- You can experiment with different types of rice or add vegetables like grated carrots or zucchini to the filling.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
These stuffed peppers with rice are not only tasty but also healthy. One serving (about 2 peppers) has around 250-300 calories, providing complex carbohydrates from the rice, vitamins, and minerals from the vegetables. It is an excellent option for a light yet filling meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use brown rice? Yes, brown rice is a healthy option, but it will require a longer cooking time.
- What can I use instead of hot pepper paste? If you prefer a milder taste, you can omit the hot pepper paste or use sweet paprika instead.

Serving suggestions:
These stuffed peppers are delicious served with a fresh vegetable salad or a slice of fresh bread. You can also add a vegetable-based yogurt sauce for an extra freshness.

Variations:
If you want to add a different note, you can try adding cooked chickpeas to the filling or even chopped mushrooms. You can also use zucchini or eggplant instead of peppers for an interesting variation.

This recipe for stuffed peppers with rice will not only delight your taste buds but will surely become a favorite dish in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite and the moments spent with your loved ones!