Stuffed bell pepper with veal and chicken

Stuffed Peppers with Veal and Chicken - A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

What could be more comforting than a warm and fragrant meal of stuffed peppers? This recipe for stuffed peppers with veal and chicken is not only tasty but also a healthier option than classic recipes. With a rich, juicy filling and a sweet-sour tomato sauce, it will surely become one of your favorites.

A Brief History

Stuffed peppers are a traditional dish in many cultures, symbolizing hospitality and family warmth. Whether filled with meat, rice, or vegetables, they are a versatile dish that can be adapted to individual preferences. In this recipe, we combine veal with chicken, creating a savory and lighter filling, perfect for those who want to eat healthily.

Ingredients

For the filling:
- 400 g veal
- 200 g boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons rice
- 1 medium onion
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 7 large peppers (or 10 small peppers)

For the sauce:
- 1 liter homemade tomato juice
- 2-3 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, to taste)
- a pinch of salt
- fresh chopped basil

Ingredient Details

- Veal: An excellent source of protein, leaner than pork. Choose country veal for an authentic taste.
- Chicken: Adds juiciness and a delicate flavor to the filling. You can use thighs or breast, depending on your preference.
- Rice: Helps bind the filling by absorbing the juices and flavors from the meat.
- Tomato juice: Choose a quality tomato juice or, if you have time, make it at home from fresh tomatoes.
- Basil: Provides an irresistible aroma and pairs perfectly with the tomato sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the meat:
Start by chopping the veal and chicken. Whether using a meat grinder or a food processor, ensure you achieve a uniform texture. If you prefer, you can leave the meat a bit chunkier for a heartier filling.

2. Chopping the onion:
Use the same food processor to chop the onion. This will add sweetness to the filling.

3. Mixing the ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, onion, washed and drained rice, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are homogenized.

4. Preparing the peppers:
After washing the peppers, cut off the top (crown) and scoop out the seeds. They will become the perfect containers for your delicious filling.

5. Filling the peppers:
Fill each pepper with the meat mixture, being careful not to overfill them to allow the rice to expand during cooking.

6. Cooking the peppers:
Place the stuffed peppers in a heat-resistant dish and cover them with salted water. Put the lid on and bake in a preheated oven at 180-190 degrees Celsius for about 60 minutes.

7. Preparing the tomato sauce:
In another pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and mix with 2 tablespoons of flour. This mixture will form a roux, which will give the sauce consistency. Gradually add the tomato juice, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Put the pot over medium heat and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

8. Finalizing the sauce:
Add salt, sugar, and chopped basil. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes, then turn off the heat.

9. Serving:
Remove the stuffed peppers from the water with a spoon, let them drain, then carefully transfer them to the tomato sauce. Allow them to soak up the flavors of the sauce for a few minutes before serving warm.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed peppers can be served alongside a portion of polenta or a fresh vegetable salad for a refreshing contrast.

Possible Variations

If you want to experiment, you can add feta or mozzarella cheese to the filling for a creamier texture. You can also replace the rice with quinoa or bulgur for an even healthier option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of veal?
You can opt for pork or turkey, depending on your preferences.

Are stuffed peppers suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked stuffed peppers. Cook them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is rich in protein due to the veal and chicken, while the peppers are an excellent source of vitamins and fiber. The tomato sauce adds a boost of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant beneficial for heart health.

Calories

One serving of stuffed peppers (1 medium pepper) contains approximately 320-350 calories, depending on the amount of meat and sauce used. It is a filling yet balanced meal, perfect for a family dinner.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! You will find that this recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of joy to your meals. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 400 g veal meat, 200 g boneless chicken thighs, 2 tablespoons rice, 1 medium onion, green parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 7 large bell peppers (or 10 small), Sauce: 1 l homemade tomato juice, 2-3 tablespoons oil, 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, a pinch of salt, fresh basil.

 Tags:  stuffed peppers