Greek Style Stuffed Bell Peppers
Greek Style Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Introduction
Greek Style Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delicious and nutritious dish that combines ground beef, spinach, zucchini, and feta cheese stuffed inside colorful bell peppers. This recipe is a perfect option for a healthy and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare.
History
Stuffed vegetables have been a popular dish in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. The combination of meat, vegetables, and grains stuffed inside bell peppers is a traditional Greek recipe that has been passed down through generations. This dish is not only flavorful but also a great way to incorporate a variety of nutrients into your diet.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) of lean ground beef
- 1 (10 oz (283 g)) package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (about 2 cups)
- 1 small onion, minced (about 1 cup)
- 0.5 cup of bulghur
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 0.5 tsp of dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp of salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 red bell peppers (or other colors if you prefer), halved lengthwise with cores and ribs removed
- 2 (14.5 oz (411 g)) cans of low-sodium stewed tomatoes, finely chopped
- 0.33 cup of crumbled feta cheese
How to prepare
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C)
- 2. In a large bowl, combine the beef, spinach, zucchini, onion, bulghur, egg, oregano, salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- 3. Arrange the pepper halves cut side up in a 9 by 13 inches baking dish and fill each pepper half with the meat mixture. Pour the tomatoes over the peppers and sprinkle with the feta cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- 4. Uncover and bake until the meat mixture is completely cooked and the peppers are tender, about 25 minutes longer.
- Serve with a simple green salad.
Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
- Add cooked quinoa or rice to the filling mixture for added texture.
- Top the stuffed peppers with a dollop of tzatziki sauce before serving.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to squeeze the excess water out of the thawed spinach to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish.
- Grate the zucchini coarsely to add moisture and texture to the filling.
- Season the filling mixture generously with herbs and spices for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Greek Style Stuffed Bell Peppers with a side of Greek salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Baking the stuffed peppers in the oven allows the flavors to meld together and the peppers to become tender.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use fresh spinach instead of frozen.
- Replace feta cheese with goat cheese or mozzarella.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the filling mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to stuff the peppers and bake.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the stuffed peppers with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Greek Style Stuffed Bell Peppers with a glass of red wine or a refreshing cucumber mint cocktail.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Greek Style Stuffed Bell Peppers contains approximately 300 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Greek Style Stuffed Bell Peppers contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Greek Style Stuffed Bell Peppers contains approximately 12 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Greek Style Stuffed Bell Peppers contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese) and eggs.
Summary
Greek Style Stuffed Bell Peppers are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Greek Style Stuffed Bell Peppers are a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests. With a mix of protein, vegetables, and grains, this recipe is a well-rounded meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was a warm summer day, much like today, when I found myself wandering through the bustling streets of Athens, Greece. The aroma of savory spices and fresh herbs filled the air, making my mouth water and my stomach growl in anticipation.
As I passed by a quaint little cafe, a kind old woman beckoned me inside with a gentle smile. She must have seen the hunger in my eyes, for she immediately offered me a seat at her cozy table and a steaming cup of fragrant Greek coffee.
We chatted for hours about life, love, and of course, food. I learned that she was a renowned chef in the area, known for her delicious and authentic Greek dishes. With a twinkle in her eye, she confided in me that she had a special recipe for Greek Style Stuffed Bell Peppers that had been passed down through generations of her family.
Intrigued, I begged her to share the recipe with me. She chuckled and agreed, on one condition - that I promise to pass it on to others and keep the tradition alive. I eagerly agreed, and she began to recite the ingredients and instructions in a melodic voice that was almost like a song.
The key, she explained, was to use only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. The bell peppers should be ripe and vibrant in color, the ground beef should be lean and seasoned to perfection, and the rice should be fluffy and aromatic. She also stressed the importance of patience and attention to detail, as each step in the process was crucial to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
As she spoke, I could practically taste the dish in my mind - the savory meat mingling with the sweet peppers, the subtle hints of garlic and oregano dancing on my tongue. My mouth watered in anticipation, and I knew that I had to try this recipe for myself.
After bidding the old woman a fond farewell and promising to visit again soon, I hurried back to my own kitchen to recreate the magic I had witnessed that day. Armed with a notebook filled with scribbled notes and a heart full of excitement, I set to work gathering the ingredients and preparing to make my very own Greek Style Stuffed Bell Peppers.
The process was laborious but rewarding, each step bringing me closer to the final masterpiece. I carefully hollowed out the bell peppers, sautéed the onions and garlic until they were golden and fragrant, and mixed the ground beef with a medley of spices that had been passed down through generations.
As the dish baked in the oven, filling my home with the mouthwatering scent of Greece, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride wash over me. I had successfully recreated the recipe that had captured my heart and taste buds, and I knew that this dish would become a cherished favorite in my own family for years to come.
Since that fateful day in Athens, I have made Greek Style Stuffed Bell Peppers countless times, each batch more delicious than the last. I have shared the recipe with friends, family, and even strangers who have become friends through a shared love of food and culture.
And as I sit here now, reminiscing about that magical encounter and the recipe that sparked a lifelong passion for cooking and sharing, I am filled with gratitude for the kind old woman who shared her culinary wisdom with me. Her legacy lives on through each bite of these savory stuffed peppers, and I am honored to carry on the tradition in her honor.