Macedonian Stuffed Peppers

Macedonian Stuffed Peppers Recipe - Traditional Dish from Macedonia

Region / culture: Macedonia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Macedonian Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of bell peppers, ground veal, cream cheese, and spices. This recipe is a popular choice for a comforting and satisfying meal.

History

Stuffed peppers have been a traditional dish in Macedonian cuisine for generations. The combination of ingredients used in this recipe reflects the rich culinary heritage of the region.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Slice the tops off the peppers.
Remove the seeds and cores.
Dice 1 red pepper and set it aside.
Save the pepper tops.
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced red pepper and ground veal or chicken.
Add the green onions and garlic.
Stir in the soft cream cheese and blend with a wooden spoon.
Mix in the egg and half-and-half, then add the grated cheese.
Season with cumin, salt, and pepper.
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Place the pepper shells in a baking dish that fits them snugly.
Spoon the filling into the peppers.
Replace the tops.
Pour 3 tbsp of water around the peppers.
Bake at 180°C until the filling is puffed and the peppers are soft, approximately 40 minutes.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Substitute ground veal with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
Add diced tomatoes or olives to the filling for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove the seeds and cores of the peppers thoroughly to create space for the filling.

- Precooking the filling slightly before stuffing the peppers can help ensure that the meat is fully cooked through during baking.

- Adding a dash of pepper and cumin can enhance the flavors of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Macedonian Stuffed Peppers can be served as a main dish with a side of salad or rice.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the stuffed peppers in the oven ensures that the filling is cooked through and the peppers are tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any color of bell peppers based on your preference.

- Replace cream cheese with ricotta or feta cheese for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to stuff the peppers and bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the stuffed peppers with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Macedonian Stuffed Peppers pair well with a glass of red wine or a side of crusty bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Macedonian Stuffed Peppers contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Macedonian Stuffed Peppers contains approximately 12 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Macedonian Stuffed Peppers contains approximately 18 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Macedonian Stuffed Peppers contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Macedonian Stuffed Peppers are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Macedonian Stuffed Peppers are a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With a rich filling of ground veal, cream cheese, and spices, these peppers are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Macedonian Stuffed Peppers. It was many years ago, during my travels through Europe, that I stumbled upon a small village in Macedonia where I had the pleasure of dining with a local family. The matriarch of the household, an elderly woman with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye, graciously invited me into her kitchen to watch her prepare a traditional Macedonian meal.

As she bustled about the kitchen, chopping vegetables and stirring pots on the stove, I couldn't help but be captivated by her skill and knowledge of cooking. She moved with such grace and precision, her hands moving deftly as she worked her magic with the ingredients before her. I watched in awe as she expertly stuffed bell peppers with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, sealing them with a dollop of tangy tomato sauce before baking them to perfection.

I begged her to show me how to make the dish, eager to learn the secrets of this delicious recipe. With a smile, she handed me a pen and a scrap of paper, instructing me to take notes as she guided me through the process. I watched intently as she sautéed onions and garlic until they were golden brown, adding in the ground meat and rice as they sizzled and popped in the hot pan. She seasoned the mixture with a blend of fragrant herbs and spices, creating a tantalizing aroma that filled the kitchen.

As she stuffed the peppers with the meat and rice mixture, I marveled at her technique, her hands moving with practiced ease as she carefully filled each pepper to the brim. She explained that the key to a successful dish was to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to season the mixture generously with salt and pepper. She then poured a luscious tomato sauce over the peppers, coating them in a rich, savory glaze that would seep into the filling as they baked.

After she placed the stuffed peppers in the oven to bake, she turned to me with a twinkle in her eye and a knowing smile on her lips. "Now, my dear, you must be patient and let the flavors meld together," she said, her voice soft and soothing. "Cooking is an art that requires time and care, but the rewards are always worth it in the end."

I nodded eagerly, determined to follow her instructions to the letter. As the peppers baked in the oven, I helped her prepare a fresh salad of crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes, tossed with a tangy vinaigrette that complemented the flavors of the stuffed peppers perfectly. The kitchen was filled with the tantalizing scents of herbs and spices, the aroma of roasting peppers mingling with the comforting scent of tomato sauce.

When the timer finally chimed, signaling that the peppers were ready, I eagerly pulled them out of the oven, the golden tops glistening with melted cheese and bubbling tomato sauce. The matriarch smiled approvingly as I plated the peppers, garnishing them with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. She watched as I took my first bite, savoring the explosion of flavors that filled my mouth with each delicious bite.

As I savored the last mouthful of the stuffed pepper, I felt a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment wash over me. I had successfully recreated a traditional Macedonian dish, thanks to the guidance and wisdom of a kind-hearted woman who had shared her knowledge with me. I thanked her profusely, promising to cherish the recipe and pass it on to future generations, ensuring that the flavors of Macedonia would live on for years to come.

And so, with a heart full of gratitude and a belly full of delicious food, I bid farewell to the matriarch and her family, knowing that I had gained not only a new recipe but also a treasured memory of a magical afternoon spent in the company of a true culinary artist. The Macedonian Stuffed Peppers would forever hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting connections that transcend borders and boundaries.