Gunjanski Gojtani - Bosnian Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

• 6 bell peppers 6 bell peppers
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 cup (200g) rice, cooked 1 cup (200g) rice, cooked
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• 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, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil, paprika, cumin, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. 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.
   Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and pour the tomato sauce over them.
6. 6.
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
7. 7.
   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the tops of the peppers to brown slightly.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can also substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Rice — Use long-grain rice for the best texture. Cook the rice according to package instructions before adding it to the filling mixture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes 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 bell peppers, such as red, yellow, or orange, to add variety and visual appeal to the dish.
• Serve the stuffed peppers with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Gunjanski Gojtani hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. These stuffed peppers can be enjoyed as a main course, accompanied by a side dish or salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed peppers on a platter, allowing their vibrant colors to shine through. Drizzle some of the tomato sauce from the baking dish over the peppers for an appetizing presentation. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for an added touch of freshness.