Stuffed Bell Peppers with a Serbian Twist

Ingredients

• 6 large bell peppers 6 large bell peppers
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 cup (200g) cooked rice 1 cup (200g) cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup (240ml) beef or vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) beef or vegetable broth
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse the peppers thoroughly.
3. 3.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. 4.
   Stuff each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, pressing it down gently to fill the peppers completely.
5. 5.
   Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish over medium heat. Place the stuffed peppers in the skillet or dish.
6. 6.
   Pour the beef or vegetable broth into the skillet or dish, around the peppers.
7. 7.
   Cover the skillet or dish with foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
8. 8.
   Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
10. 10.
    Serve the Belolučene paprike hot, either as a main dish or accompanied by a side of your choice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can also use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for added flavor.
• Bell peppers — Select firm and vibrant bell peppers for the best results. Different colors of bell peppers can be used for a visually appealing presentation.
• Tomato paste — Opt for high-quality tomato paste to enhance the richness of the dish.
• Dried herbs — If you prefer, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried ones. Simply double the amount of fresh herbs called for in the recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling mixture.
• Serve the stuffed peppers with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess.
• Leftover stuffed peppers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. They can also be frozen for future meals.
• Experiment with different types of ground meat, such as lamb or turkey, for a unique twist on the recipe.
• Feel free to add grated cheese on top of the stuffed peppers during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy finish.

Serving advice

Serve the Belolučene paprike as a main course, accompanied by a fresh salad and crusty bread. The peppers can also be served alongside mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed peppers on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley. The vibrant colors of the peppers will make for an eye-catching presentation. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil for an added touch of elegance.