Pepper soup

Stuffed Pepper Soup with Meat - A Comforting Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Stuffed pepper soup is a classic Romanian dish that brings together enticing flavors and simple ingredients for a delicious result. This recipe is not only easy to make but also offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a warm and comforting meal.

Ingredients:

- 500 g minced meat (pork or beef, depending on preference)
- 2 tablespoons rice (washed)
- 8 bell peppers (preferably red or yellow for a sweeter taste)
- 100 g sour cream (for serving)
- 200 ml broth or 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 eggs (to bind the mixture)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 100 g celery (finely chopped)
- Salt, pepper, and vegetable seasoning (to taste)

Step by step for a delicious soup:

1. Preparing the peppers: Start by cleaning the peppers. Carefully cut off the top of each pepper and remove the seeds. This is a time-consuming task, but it is essential for perfectly stuffed peppers.

2. Filling the peppers: In a large bowl, mix the minced meat with the washed rice, eggs, sweet paprika, salt, pepper, and vegetable seasoning. Make sure the ingredients are well incorporated to achieve a homogeneous filling. Use a spoon to fill each pepper with the meat mixture, being careful not to overfill them to allow the rice to expand during cooking.

3. Preparing the soup: In a large pot, add the diced carrots and celery along with about 2 liters of water. Bringing it to a boil will help extract the flavors from the vegetables. Once the water starts boiling, add the stuffed peppers.

4. Cooking the soup: After adding the peppers, reduce the heat to medium and let everything simmer for about 30-40 minutes. Add the broth or tomato paste in the last 10 minutes of cooking to enhance the soup's flavor. Make sure the peppers are well cooked but not overdone, so they do not fall apart.

5. Serving: Once the soup is ready, you can serve it hot, adding a spoonful of sour cream on top of each serving. This will add a creamy and delicious touch to the dish.

Practical tips:

- Variations of meat: You can experiment with chicken or turkey for a lighter option. Also, if you want a vegetarian option, you can fill the peppers with a combination of vegetables, rice, and cheese.

- Alternative spices: Depending on your preferences, you can add herbs like dill or parsley to intensify the flavors.

- A serving idea: This soup pairs excellently with a slice of fresh bread to savor every drop of the tasty broth.

This stuffed pepper soup with meat is not only a nourishing dish but also a simple and quick recipe, perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests. With each spoonful, you will bring a touch of Romanian tradition to your plate, turning an ordinary meal into a memorable culinary experience.