Stuffed Peppers with Ground Lamb

Greek Stuffed Peppers with Ground Lamb Recipe

Region / culture: Greece | Servings: 4

Introduction

Stuffed peppers with ground lamb is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender bell peppers, flavorful ground lamb, and savory seasonings makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.

History

Stuffed peppers have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. The concept of stuffing vegetables with a mixture of meat, rice, and seasonings dates back to ancient times. The addition of ground lamb to the filling adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish.

Ingredients

4 medium green bell peppers
0.5 lb (227 g) lean ground lamb
0.25 cup chopped onion
1 cup cooked brown or white rice
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can tomato sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp dried oregano
0.13 tsp freshly ground pepper

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Prepare an 8-inch square or round baking dish with non-stick pan spray.
Cut a thin slice from the stem end of each pepper.
Remove all the seeds and membranes.
Partially cook the peppers in a large pot of boiling water for 5 minutes.
Drain and set aside.
In a large non-stick skillet, sauté the ground lamb and the onion over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, until the lamb is browned and the onion is tender. Drain off the fat.
Stir in the rice, 0.5 cup of the tomato sauce, the garlic, salt, oregano, and pepper.
Divide the mixture evenly to fill the peppers.
Stand the peppers upright in the prepared baking dish and top them with the remaining tomato sauce.
Cover the peppers with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.

Variations

Substitute ground beef or turkey for the ground lamb.
Add diced tomatoes or corn to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Top the stuffed peppers with cheese before baking for a cheesy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to partially cook the peppers before stuffing them to ensure they are tender when the dish is finished baking.

- Use lean ground lamb to reduce the fat content of the dish.

- Feel free to customize the seasonings in the filling to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the stuffed peppers with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Partially cook the peppers before stuffing them to ensure they are tender.

- Brown the ground lamb and onion before adding them to the filling for maximum flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice in the filling.

- Substitute ground chicken or pork for the ground lamb.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stuffed peppers up to a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

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

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the stuffed peppers with a glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea.

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 stuffed peppers with ground lamb contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of stuffed peppers with ground lamb contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of stuffed peppers with ground lamb contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of stuffed peppers with ground lamb contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Stuffed peppers with ground lamb are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (from the rice) and may contain dairy if cheese is added as a topping.

Summary

Stuffed peppers with ground lamb are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Stuffed peppers with ground lamb are a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With a flavorful filling and tender peppers, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. I had always been a lover of stuffed peppers, but I had never tried them with ground lamb before. It was a new and exciting twist that I knew I had to try.

I had come across the recipe in an old cookbook that I had inherited from my great-grandmother. The pages were yellowed and dog-eared, a testament to the many times the recipe had been used and loved. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost smell the delicious aroma of the peppers cooking in the oven.

I had never cooked with ground lamb before, but I was eager to give it a try. I loved lamb, and I knew that it would add a rich and savory flavor to the dish. I set off to the market to pick up the ingredients, my mind already racing with ideas on how to make the recipe my own.

As I prepared the peppers, I thought back to all the other recipes I had learned over the years. Some had come from cookbooks, others from friends and family. Each one held a special place in my heart, a memory of a moment shared around the table with loved ones.

I remembered the first time I had learned to make my grandmother's famous apple pie. She had shown me how to roll out the dough just right, how to slice the apples thin and sprinkle them with cinnamon. It was a recipe that had been passed down through generations, and each time I made it, I felt a connection to those who had come before me.

As I browned the ground lamb in a skillet, the sizzle of the meat filling the kitchen, I thought about the recipes I had learned from my mother. She had taught me how to make her delicious meatloaf, a comfort food that always brought a smile to my face. She had shown me the importance of patience and love in the kitchen, of taking the time to prepare a meal with care and attention.

I added the spices to the lamb, letting the flavors meld together, and I thought about the recipes I had acquired from friends over the years. There was Maria's lasagna, with layers of noodles, cheese, and sauce that melted in your mouth. And Sarah's chocolate chip cookies, with just the right amount of sweetness and crunch.

As I stuffed the peppers with the lamb mixture, the vibrant colors of the vegetables contrasting with the rich meat, I thought about all the moments I had shared with my loved ones around the dinner table. The laughter, the stories, the love that had been shared over a meal prepared with care and attention.

I placed the stuffed peppers in the oven, the smell of the lamb and spices filling the kitchen, and I knew that this recipe would soon become a favorite in my repertoire. It was a dish that spoke to the heart, that brought people together around the table in a celebration of food and family.

As I sat down to enjoy the stuffed peppers with my family, the flavors bursting on my tongue, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. This recipe, with its rich history and delicious flavors, was a reminder of the joy that cooking and sharing a meal can bring. And I knew that it would be a recipe that I would cherish for years to come.