Gradačačka Kutija - Bosnian Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

• 6 large bell peppers 6 large bell peppers
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 cup (200g) rice 1 cup (200g) rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, grated 1 carrot, grated
• 1 zucchini, grated 1 zucchini, grated
• 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
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 4g
• Protein: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• 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.
3. 3.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, grated carrot, grated zucchini, tomato paste, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. 4.
   Stuff each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, ensuring they are tightly packed.
5. 5.
   Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and pour the vegetable broth into the dish.
6. 6.
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. 7.
   Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly before using to remove excess starch and ensure a fluffy texture.
• Bell peppers — Choose firm and vibrant bell peppers for the best results. Remove the seeds and membranes carefully to avoid damaging the peppers.
• Ground beef — Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish.
• Tomato paste — Use high-quality tomato paste for a rich and intense flavor.
• Fresh parsley — Add the chopped parsley just before serving to enhance the dish's freshness.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling mixture.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or mushrooms.
• 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, as the flavors tend to develop further.
• Experiment with different types of bell peppers, such as red, yellow, or orange, to add a vibrant touch to the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Gradačačka Kutija hot, straight from the oven. Accompany it with a side of creamy yogurt or a fresh salad to complement the flavors and textures.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed peppers on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley. The vibrant colors of the peppers will create an appealing visual display. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil for an added touch of elegance.