Stuffed pepper soup

Stuffed Pepper Soup - A Warm Delight for the Soul

Stuffed pepper soup is a recipe that brings together the rich flavors of vegetables and meat, offering a comforting culinary experience, perfect for cool days. This recipe is not only nourishing but also full of history, with deep roots in culinary traditions. A soup that gathers the family around the table, turning each spoonful into an explosion of tastes and memories.

Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 10 small peppers (ideally bell peppers or spicy peppers for extra flavor)
- 300-400 grams ground meat (pork, beef, or a mix, depending on preference)
- 3-4 tablespoons of rice (uncooked, to retain the starch)
- 2 medium onions
- 3 medium carrots (for sweetness)
- 1 small celery root (or a slice of large celery)
- 1-2 small bell peppers (optional, for extra filling)
- 300 ml tomato puree (or tomato paste)
- 1 tablespoon of flour (for roux)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- Oil, for sautéing
- Fresh celery and parsley leaves, for serving

Step by step:

1. Preparing the vegetables:
Start by finely chopping the onion and sautéing it in a tablespoon of oil in a large pot. Add the grated carrots and diced celery. Add the bay leaves, salt, and pepper, stirring occasionally. Let the vegetables soften over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes.

2. Adding water:
Once the vegetables have softened, add warm water to the pot, filling it up to ¾. Wait for the water to reach a boiling point.

3. Preparing the filling:
In another pot, finely chop an onion and sauté it in a little oil. At this point, add the rice. (It is optional to wash it, but some prefer to do so to remove excess starch.) Stir for 2-3 minutes, then remove the pot from the heat. Add paprika and mix well.

4. Combining the ingredients:
Let the filling cool slightly, then mix it with the ground meat. Add salt and pepper to taste, along with dill or parsley leaves, if desired.

5. Stuffing the peppers:
Clean the peppers of stems, ribs, and seeds, being careful to score them on the opposite side of the stem to allow air to escape. Fill them with the meat and rice mixture, being careful not to overcrowd them, as the rice will swell during cooking.

6. Boiling the soup:
When the water in the pot starts to boil, add the stuffed peppers and diced bell peppers (if you choose to include them). Let everything simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, until the rice and meat are well cooked. Taste the filling to check if it's done.

7. Preparing the roux:
In a small pot, add 3 tablespoons of oil and a tablespoon of flour. Stir constantly until the flour lightly browns. Add the tomato puree and continue to stir vigorously to avoid lumps. If the mixture is too thick, add a little broth to thin it out.

8. Finalizing the soup:
Once the meat in the peppers is cooked, pour the roux into the soup (if you have lumps, you can strain it through a sieve). Mix well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. Taste again and adjust the salt as needed.

9. Serving:
Turn off the heat, remove the bay leaves, and add fresh celery leaves and plenty of parsley. Serve the soup hot, with a dollop of sour cream on top and, for those who love spice, alongside fresh hot peppers.

Suggestions and variations:
- You can add other vegetables to the filling, such as zucchini or mushrooms, for a richer version.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the roux. The soup will still be delicious and less fatty.
- Stuffed pepper soup pairs perfectly with fresh bread or polenta.

Nutritional benefits:
This soup is rich in protein due to the meat and rice, while the vegetables provide significant vitamins and fiber. It is a nourishing option, ideal for a lunch or dinner.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use ground chicken?
Yes, chicken meat offers a lighter yet equally delicious option. The cooking time remains similar.

- What other spices can I use?
You can add cumin or oregano for extra flavor.

- How can I make the soup spicier?
Add hot peppers or spicy paprika to the filling or the roux.

Stuffed pepper soup is a recipe that not only nourishes but also brings joy and comfort. Whether you prepare it for family or friends, each spoonful will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!