Stuffed peppers with tomato sauce
Stuffed Peppers with Tomato Sauce Recipe - A Warm Delicacy for Chilly Days
On cold days, nothing compares to a serving of stuffed peppers with tomato sauce, a recipe that combines rich flavors with a comforting texture. This traditional recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, with each family having its own variation. Today, I will show you how to prepare stuffed peppers at home with a delicious meat and rice filling, topped with a savory tomato sauce.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings
Ingredients:
- 8-10 bell peppers (preferably red or yellow for a sweeter taste)
- 700 g ground beef
- 300 g ground pork
- 1 large onion
- 6-7 tablespoons rice (about a handful)
- 5-6 tablespoons sunflower or olive oil
- 1 egg
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons paprika (sweet or spicy, to preference)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for an exotic touch)
- 2-3 tablespoons wheat flour (to thicken the sauce)
- 750 ml canned crushed tomatoes (or fresh, if available)
- Water or chicken/vegetable broth (optional, to adjust sauce consistency)
Preparation:
1. Preparing the filling:
Start by finely chopping the onion. Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat and add the onion. Sauté until golden, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. This will add a delicious aroma to your filling.
2. Adding the flavors:
Once the onion is golden, add salt, pepper, paprika, and turmeric. Mix well to combine the flavors. Then, add the rice and let it sauté with the onion for 5-6 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool.
3. Combining the ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork with the onion and rice mixture. Add the egg and mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. This will be the filling for the peppers.
4. Preparing the peppers:
Wash the peppers and remove the stems. It is important to leave them drained so that the filling is not too wet. Use a spoon to fill each pepper with the meat mixture, leaving a little space at the top so the filling does not overflow during cooking.
5. Sealing and browning the peppers:
Sprinkle a little flour on each stuffed pepper. This will help thicken the sauce. In the same pot where you sautéed the onion, add a bit of oil and brown the stuffed peppers on all sides, starting with the tops. This step will give them a slightly crispy crust and add a special flavor.
6. Preparing the tomato sauce:
After browning the peppers, place them in a deep pot. Pour the canned tomatoes over them, ensuring they are completely covered. If you see that there is not enough sauce, you can add a little water or chicken/vegetable broth to achieve the desired consistency.
7. Boiling:
Cover the pot with a lid and let the peppers simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes. It is essential to pierce them lightly with a fork to allow steam to escape, thus preventing them from cracking.
Serving:
Once the peppers are ready, serve them warm, alongside a slice of fresh homemade bread. This will be perfect for soaking up the delicious tomato sauce. I suggest pairing them with a simple green salad or a summer salad, which will add a note of freshness to the meal.
Useful tips:
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour after browning the peppers, mixing well to avoid lumps.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with chopped mushrooms and various vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini.
- Stuffed peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and are even tastier the next day, when the flavors have had time to meld.
Calories and nutritional benefits:
This stuffed pepper recipe contains approximately 400-500 calories per serving, depending on the specific ingredients used. It is a good source of protein due to the meat, as well as fiber from the vegetables and rice. Consuming peppers is beneficial for the immune system due to their high vitamin C content.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Of course! You can experiment with chicken or turkey, or even lamb for a different variation.
2. How can I adjust the seasoning?
Be creative! Add herbs like basil or oregano for an extra flavor boost.
3. Is it possible to make the recipe without rice?
Absolutely! You can replace the rice with quinoa or finely chopped vegetables for a lighter version.
4. How can I improve the presentation?
Garnish the plate with fresh parsley or dill leaves and serve with a spoonful of sour cream on top.
I hope this recipe inspires you to try stuffed peppers at home. It is a dish that brings warmth and comfort, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: a can of crushed tomatoes 750 ml 700 g minced beef 300 g minced pork one large onion 6-7 tablespoons of rice or a handful of rice 5-6 tablespoons of oil one egg salt pepper paprika turmeric (if you like) 2-3 tablespoons of wheat flour 8-10 bell peppers
