Recipe
Ottijiet - Maltese Stuffed Bell Peppers
Mediterranean Delight: Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers from Malta
4.0 out of 5
Indulge in the flavors of Maltese cuisine with Ottijiet, a traditional dish that showcases the vibrant Mediterranean ingredients. These stuffed bell peppers are bursting with a delightful combination of savory fillings, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Metadata
Preparation time
20 minutes
Cooking time
1 hour
Total time
1 hour 20 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Mediterranean diet, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Low-carb, High-protein
Allergens
N/A
Not suitable for
Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo, Keto, Nut-free
Ingredients
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6 bell peppers (assorted colors) 6 bell peppers (assorted colors)
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250g (8.8 oz) ground beef 250g (8.8 oz) ground beef
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250g (8.8 oz) ground lamb 250g (8.8 oz) ground lamb
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1 cup (200g) rice 1 cup (200g) rice
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1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
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1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 34g, 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Salt: 1.5g
Preparation
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1.Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
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2.Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
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3.In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, rice, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
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4.Stuff each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, pressing it down gently.
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5.Place the stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
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6.Pour the vegetable broth into the bottom of the baking dish.
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7.Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
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8.Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
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9.Serve the Ottijiet hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Ground beef and lamb — Make sure to use lean ground meat for a healthier option. If desired, you can substitute the lamb with additional ground beef.
- Rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly before using to remove excess starch and ensure a fluffy texture.
Tips & Tricks
- For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a mixture of cooked quinoa, chopped vegetables, and feta cheese.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the filling.
- Serve Ottijiet with a side of fresh salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Leftover Ottijiet can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify.
Serving advice
Serve Ottijiet as a main course accompanied by a side of mixed greens or a fresh tomato salad. The vibrant colors of the stuffed bell peppers make for an appealing presentation.
Presentation advice
Arrange the Ottijiet on a platter, garnished with sprigs of fresh parsley. The colorful bell peppers and the savory filling will create an eye-catching display.
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