Korčulanske Spomilje - Croatian Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients

• 6 large bell peppers 6 large bell peppers
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground meat (beef or pork) 500g (1.1 lb) ground meat (beef or pork)
• 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
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 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
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

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 meat, rice, onion, garlic, olive oil, 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, pressing it down gently to fill the peppers completely.
5. 5.
   Place the stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish and pour the tomato sauce over them.
6. 6.
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. 7.
   Remove the foil and bake 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.
• Ground meat — Use a lean ground meat for a healthier option, or a fattier meat for added richness and flavor.
• Bell peppers — Choose bell peppers that are firm and have a vibrant color for the best taste and appearance.
• Tomato sauce — Opt for a high-quality tomato sauce or make your own for a more authentic flavor.
• Fresh parsley — Chop the parsley just before serving to retain its vibrant color and fresh taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes to the filling mixture.
• Serve the stuffed bell peppers with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess.
• Experiment with different types of ground meat, such as a combination of beef and lamb, for a unique flavor profile.
• Leftover stuffed bell peppers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or mushrooms.

Serving advice

Serve the Korčulanske Spomilje as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. The stuffed bell peppers can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed bell peppers on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley. The vibrant colors of the peppers will create an eye-catching display. Drizzle some of the tomato sauce from the baking dish over the peppers for an appetizing presentation.