Stuffed Green Peppers

Hungarian Stuffed Green Peppers Recipe with Beef and Pork

Region / culture: Hungary | Servings: 4

Introduction

Stuffed green peppers are a classic dish that combines the flavors of tender peppers, savory meat, and tangy tomatoes. This hearty and satisfying meal is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

History

The origins of stuffed green peppers can be traced back to Eastern Europe, where peppers were a common ingredient in traditional cuisine. The dish has since spread to other parts of the world, with each region adding its own unique twist to the recipe.

Ingredients

8 medium-sized green peppers
0.5 lb (227 g) ground beef (or 1 lb beef if you do not want to include pork)
0.5 lb (227 g) ground pork
1 raw egg
1 cup washed rice
2 x 28 oz (794 g) cans of crushed tomatoes (or 3 or 4 lb (1.81 kg) fresh peeled tomatoes)
1 large white onion, chopped
2 tbsp good hungarian paprika (buy imported sweet)
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar (do not omit)
0.25 tsp black peppercorns
2 whole bay laurel leaves
1 cup water only if needed

How to prepare

Cut off the tops of the peppers and set them aside.
Remove the seeds from the peppers.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, raw egg, washed rice, salt, and paprika.
Mix the ingredients well using clean hands.
Stuff the peppers with the meat mixture, using all of it.
If there is any leftover mixture, form it into a few balls.
Place the peppers upright in a cooking pot.
Add the tomatoes, sugar, onions, and chopped tops of the peppers over the peppers.
Toss in the black peppercorns and bay leaves.
Cover the pot and cook slowly for approximately 1.5 hours.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground pork with cooked lentils or chickpeas.
Add a sprinkle of cheese on top of the peppers before serving for a cheesy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to choose peppers that are firm and free of blemishes for the best results.

- Pre-cooking the rice before adding it to the meat mixture will ensure that it cooks evenly.

- Adding a splash of water to the pot while cooking can help prevent the peppers from sticking to the bottom.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed green peppers can be served with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking the peppers in a covered pot allows the flavors to meld together and the peppers to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground beef or turkey instead of pork for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the stuffed green peppers on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Stuffed green peppers pair well with a glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover stuffed green peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of stuffed green peppers contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of stuffed green peppers contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of stuffed green peppers contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of stuffed green peppers contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Stuffed green peppers are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and pork.

Summary

Stuffed green peppers are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Stuffed green peppers are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a flavorful meal that will satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Stuffed Green Peppers. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy kitchen. As we sat sipping tea and chatting about our favorite recipes, she suddenly pulled out a tattered old cookbook from her bookshelf.

"Have you ever tried making stuffed green peppers?" Margaret asked with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

I shook my head, intrigued by the idea. Stuffed peppers were not something I had ever attempted before, but I was always eager to learn new recipes. Margaret flipped through the pages of the cookbook and landed on a well-worn page with a faded handwritten note at the top.

"This recipe has been in my family for generations," Margaret explained as she handed me the cookbook. "I think you'll really enjoy it."

I eagerly scanned the ingredients and instructions, mentally noting the steps I would need to take to recreate this dish in my own kitchen. As Margaret shared stories about her grandmother who had first introduced her to the recipe, I felt a sense of connection to the past and a renewed appreciation for the power of food to bring people together.

After bidding Margaret farewell and thanking her for the recipe, I hurried home to gather the ingredients I would need to make the stuffed green peppers. As I chopped and sautéed and stirred, I found myself lost in the process, each step bringing me closer to the final result.

The smell of the peppers roasting in the oven filled my kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish. When the timer finally dinged, I carefully pulled the stuffed green peppers out of the oven and plated them with a side of fluffy rice.

As I took my first bite, I was transported back to Margaret's kitchen, the flavors of the peppers mingling with the memories of our conversation. The dish was a triumph, a perfect blend of savory and sweet, with just the right amount of spice.

From that moment on, stuffed green peppers became a staple in my recipe repertoire. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on a quiet evening at home. Each time I prepared the dish, I felt a sense of gratitude for Margaret and her generosity in sharing her family recipe with me.

As the years went on, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it uniquely my own. Sometimes I would substitute different types of meat or cheese, or add in extra vegetables for a heartier filling. No matter how I changed it, the dish always brought me back to that summer day in Margaret's kitchen, where my love for cooking and creating delicious meals was born.

Now, whenever I make stuffed green peppers, I think of all the people and places that have influenced my culinary journey. From Margaret's family recipe to the countless other recipes I have collected and created over the years, each dish tells a story and holds a special place in my heart.

So, the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a new recipe to try, consider making stuffed green peppers. Not only will you enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal, but you may also find yourself on a journey of discovery, connecting with the past and creating memories that will last a lifetime.