Stuffed bell peppers with meat

Stuffed peppers with meat - a traditional recipe full of flavor

Stuffed peppers with meat are a classic dish that combines the flavors of vegetables with the richness of meat, resulting in a meal that will delight both your taste buds and your eyes. This recipe is not only delicious but also rich in history, bringing together simple yet characterful ingredients. Get ready to discover how to transform a few peppers and minced meat into an unforgettable meal, perfect for special occasions or a family dinner.

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

Ingredients

- 800 g mix of beef and pork
- 12 peppers
- 1 carrot
- 1 onion
- 3 tablespoons of rice
- 1 egg
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bunch of celery
- Oregano and basil, to taste
- 400 ml tomato puree

Necessary utensils

- A large pot
- A fine grater
- A spoon
- A spatula
- A knife
- A deep plate for stuffing the peppers

Preparation of stuffed peppers

1. Preparing the peppers: Start by washing the peppers under a stream of cold water. Cut off the tops and carefully remove the seeds, making sure not to damage their walls. This step is essential for achieving perfectly stuffed peppers.

2. The filling: In a large bowl, add the minced meat. Grate the carrot and onion on the fine grater and add them to the bowl. These vegetables will not only add flavor to the filling but will also contribute to the juiciness of the dish. Add the rice, egg, salt, and pepper, then mix the composition well. It is important to have a homogeneous filling so that each pepper is full of flavor.

3. Stuffing the peppers: Using a spoon, fill each pepper with the meat mixture. Do not overfill, as the filling will expand during cooking. Make sure the filling reaches just below the top of the peppers.

4. Boiling the peppers: Place the stuffed peppers in a large pot, making sure they do not overlap. Add water until it reaches halfway up the peppers. Cover the pot with a lid and put it on medium heat. Let it boil for about 30 minutes, or until the peppers and filling are well cooked. It is good to check occasionally to ensure they do not stick to the bottom of the pot.

5. Preparing the sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the tomato puree with the 4 tablespoons of flour. Gradually add water from the pot to thin the sauce, avoiding lumps. Pour the obtained sauce over the peppers, adding salt to taste. Let it boil for another 10-15 minutes for the flavors to blend.

6. Seasoning: Finally, add oregano, basil, and chopped celery. This step will bring an extra freshness and flavor to the dish. Gently mix, then let it boil for a few more minutes.

Serving

Stuffed peppers with meat are served warm, accompanied by a generous spoonful of sour cream. The sour cream will not only add a creamy note but will also balance the intense flavors of the dish.

Practical tips

- Choosing the peppers: Opt for larger and meatier peppers, which will be easier to stuff and will retain juiciness.
- Variations of the filling: You can experiment with other types of meat, such as chicken or turkey, or you can add various spices to customize the recipe to your taste.
- Slow cooking: If you have time, you can let the peppers boil longer on low heat to intensify the flavors.
- Care for utensils: Use a wooden spatula to stir, to avoid scratching the pot.

Nutritional benefits

This dish is rich in protein due to the meat and is a good source of vitamins and fiber from the vegetables. Peppers are an excellent choice for health, being low in calories and high in antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of vegetables?
Yes, you can use zucchini or eggplant, but the cooking time will vary.

2. Can I prepare the peppers in advance?
Certainly! You can stuff the peppers and store them in the fridge, then boil them when you're ready to serve.

3. What side dish pairs best?
Rice or mashed potatoes are excellent side dishes that complement this meal.

Conclusion

Stuffed peppers with meat are a perfect choice for a family dinner or to impress guests. With a little time and patience, you can create a delicious dish that will bring joy to your table. Regardless of the occasion, this recipe will surely become a favorite for everyone. Savor every bite and enjoy the time spent in the kitchen!

 Ingredients: 800g beef and pork mix, 12 bell peppers, 1 carrot, 1 onion, salt, pepper, green celery, oregano, basil, 1 can of tomato puree, 4 tablespoons of flour, 3 tablespoons of rice, 1 egg