Southern Style Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the Greek dish Patouda is transformed into a Southern American delight by incorporating traditional Southern spices and flavors. The original Patouda typically includes ingredients like feta cheese and Mediterranean herbs, whereas the Southern Style Stuffed Bell Peppers feature a blend of ground meat, rice, and a medley of aromatic spices commonly found in Southern American cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Patouda, so you can check it out.

• 4 large bell peppers 4 large bell peppers
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or pork 1 pound (450g) ground beef or pork
• 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
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken or vegetable broth 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2.
   Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse the peppers under cold water.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. 4.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent.
5. 5.
   Stir in the cooked rice, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. 6.
   Fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, pressing it down gently.
7. 7.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce and broth. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
8. 8.
   Place the stuffed bell peppers upright in the baking dish, nestled in the tomato sauce mixture.
9. 9.
   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. 10.
    Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
11. 11.
    Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bell peppers — Choose bell peppers that are firm and have a vibrant color. The peppers should be large enough to hold the filling but still be easy to handle. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for green bell peppers. For a sweeter taste, choose red, yellow, or orange bell peppers.
• Ground meat — Use lean ground beef or pork for a healthier option. Make sure to cook the meat thoroughly to ensure food safety.
• Rice — Cook the rice according to package instructions before adding it to the filling mixture. Use long-grain rice for a fluffy texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling mixture.
• Feel free to customize the filling by adding diced vegetables like celery, carrots, or corn.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or black beans.
• Top the stuffed peppers with shredded cheese during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.
• Leftover stuffed peppers can be refrigerated and enjoyed as a delicious cold snack the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Southern Style Stuffed Bell Peppers hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair them with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery cornbread to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed bell peppers on a platter, drizzle some of the tomato sauce mixture over them, and sprinkle with additional fresh parsley for an appealing presentation. The vibrant colors of the peppers will make the dish visually enticing.