Peppers filled with Meat
Peppers filled with Meat Recipe - Traditional Romanian Dish
Introduction
Stuffed peppers with meat is a classic dish that is loved by many for its delicious flavors and hearty filling. This recipe is a perfect combination of tender peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, onions, and herbs, all topped with a flavorful tomato sauce.
History
Stuffed peppers have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. The combination of meat and rice stuffed inside a pepper and cooked in a flavorful sauce is a comforting and satisfying meal that has stood the test of time.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Wash the peppers, dry them, remove the core and seeds.
- In a bowl, mix the meat with two finely chopped raw or fried onions, a tablespoon of lard, rice, chopped parsley and dill, pepper, and salt.
- Thoroughly combine all the ingredients and use this mixture to fill the peppers.
- Place a tomato slice on top of each pepper as a lid.
- Arrange the peppers in a pan and pour the following sauce on top.
- In a separate pan, fry the finely chopped onion and flour in lard until golden. Then, add tomato sauce (made from boiled and strained tomatoes).
- Add sugar and salt to the sauce.
- If the sauce does not completely cover the peppers, add some water.
- Sprinkle some chopped parsley over the peppers. Let it boil for a little while, then transfer to the oven and bake until done.
- Serve the stuffed peppers with sour cream.
Variations
- You can use different types of ground meat such as beef, pork, or turkey.
- Add cooked grains like quinoa or couscous to the filling for added texture.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the filling.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to choose peppers that are firm and have a nice shape for stuffing.
- Pre-cooking the meat mixture before stuffing the peppers ensures that the filling is fully cooked and flavorful.
- Adding a slice of tomato on top of each pepper not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the filling moist during cooking.
- Be sure to adjust the seasoning of the filling and sauce to your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed peppers with meat can be served as a main dish with a side of salad or crusty bread.
Cooking Techniques
Pre-cooking the meat mixture before stuffing the peppers ensures that the filling is fully cooked and flavorful.
- Baking the stuffed peppers in the oven allows the flavors to meld together and the peppers to become tender.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute the ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Use olive oil instead of lard for a healthier option.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This is a great make-ahead dish for busy weeknights.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the stuffed peppers on a platter garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Stuffed peppers with meat pair well with a light and refreshing salad, a side of crusty bread, or a glass of red wine.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored 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 stuffed peppers with meat contains approximately 350 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of stuffed peppers with meat contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of stuffed peppers with meat contains approximately 20 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of stuffed peppers with meat contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Stuffed peppers with meat are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and gluten (flour). Please be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Summary
Stuffed peppers with meat are a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good amount of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Stuffed peppers with meat are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With a flavorful filling and a savory tomato sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my aunt in the countryside. She was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always loved learning new recipes from her.
On this particular day, my aunt decided to make peppers filled with meat for dinner. I had never tried this dish before, and I was intrigued by the combination of flavors and textures. As I watched her prepare the dish, I asked her where she had learned to make it.
My aunt smiled and told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations in our family. She explained that each generation had added their own twist to the recipe, making it even more delicious with each passing year. She then handed me a tattered old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother and told me to look up the recipe for myself.
As I flipped through the pages of the cookbook, I came across the recipe for peppers filled with meat. The ingredients were simple - bell peppers, ground meat, rice, tomatoes, onions, and a few spices. The instructions were straightforward, but I could tell that this dish required patience and attention to detail.
I decided to give the recipe a try, and my aunt guided me through the process. We started by hollowing out the bell peppers and filling them with a mixture of cooked ground meat, rice, tomatoes, and onions. We then placed the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and covered them with a savory tomato sauce.
As the peppers baked in the oven, the aroma of the dish filled the kitchen, and I couldn't wait to try it. When the peppers were finally done, my aunt served them with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and a fresh salad. The first bite was pure heaven - the sweetness of the peppers paired perfectly with the savory filling, and the flavors melded together in a symphony of deliciousness.
From that moment on, peppers filled with meat became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make them for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving compliments and requests for the recipe. Each time I made the dish, I would think of my aunt and the special day we shared in her kitchen.
Over the years, I have continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own touches and variations to make it my own. I have shared it with friends and neighbors, who have all fallen in love with the dish just as much as I have. And every time I make it, I am reminded of the love and tradition that is woven into every bite.
Peppers filled with meat will always hold a special place in my heart, not just because of its delicious flavor, but because of the memories and connections it represents. It is a dish that has brought me closer to my family, my heritage, and the joy of cooking. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
Categories
| Bell Pepper Recipes | Dill Recipes | Onion Recipes | Rice Recipes | Romanian Meat Dishes | Romanian Recipes | Sour Cream Recipes | Tomato Recipes |