Stuffed bell pepper soup

Stuffed pepper soup with meat is a savory dish, perfect for cool days when you crave a hearty and comforting lunch. This traditional Romanian recipe brings together the rich flavors of vegetables with the tenderness of meat, resulting in an unforgettable culinary experience.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

### Ingredients:
- 6 bell peppers (preferably red or green)
- 300 g minced pork (you can also use a mix of pork and beef for a more complex flavor)
- 50 g rice (long-grain rice is recommended)
- 1 egg
- 2 medium onions
- 1 large carrot (or 2 small ones)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon pepper paste
- 1 liter of water
- 3-4 tablespoons of oil
- Spices: salt, pepper, thyme
- 200 g tomato paste (or tomato juice)

### Instructions:

1. Preparing the filling: Start by peeling and finely chopping the onions. Heat the oil in a large skillet and add the onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the grated carrot and pepper paste, stirring well to combine the flavors.

2. Preparing the rice: Rinse the rice in several cold waters to remove the starch, then add it to the skillet with the onion and carrot mixture. Sauté the rice for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, to prepare it to absorb the flavors.

3. Combining the ingredients: In a large bowl, place the minced meat, the sautéed vegetable mixture, the egg, salt, pepper, and chopped dill. Mix the composition well with your hands or a spatula until the ingredients are homogeneous.

4. Preparing the peppers: Clean the peppers from the stem, remove the seeds, and wash them well. Let them drain to remove excess water. Fill each pepper with the meat mixture, leaving a little space at the top to allow for expansion during cooking.

5. Preparing the soup: In a large pot, heat 3-4 tablespoons of oil and sauté a grated carrot along with the remaining onion. Add the pepper paste and the vegetables for the soup (or your favorite vegetables) and mix well. After about 5 minutes, add water and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a boil.

6. Cooking the peppers: Once the water starts to boil, add the stuffed peppers to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium and let them simmer for 40-50 minutes, until the peppers are soft and the meat is well cooked.

7. Finishing the recipe: About 10 minutes before turning off the heat, add the tomato paste and stir gently. Cook until the soup simmers a few times. Finally, add the chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.

8. Serving: Serve the stuffed pepper soup with meat hot, alongside a spoonful of sour cream, which will add a creamy and delicious note. You can pair it with a slice of fresh bread for an even more complete meal.

### Useful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of meat, such as chicken or turkey, for a lighter version.
- Add spices like sweet paprika or chili for a spicier taste.
- If you like intense flavors, you can add a few bay leaves during cooking.

Stuffed pepper soup with meat is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be customized according to your culinary preferences. Enjoy it in the company of loved ones and savor every bite!