Perepechi with a New Jersey Twist

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we incorporate New Jersey's culinary influences by using locally sourced ingredients such as Jersey tomatoes, sweet corn, and fresh herbs. The traditional Russian flavors are enhanced with a touch of American flair, resulting in a unique fusion of tastes that celebrates the diversity of both cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Perepechi, so you can check it out.

• 4 large bell peppers, any color 4 large bell peppers, any color
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 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 cup (150g) sweet corn kernels 1 cup (150g) sweet corn kernels
• 1 cup (150g) diced Jersey tomatoes 1 cup (150g) diced Jersey tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 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) beef or vegetable broth 1/2 cup (120ml) beef or vegetable broth
• Grated cheese for topping (optional) Grated cheese for topping (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 26g, 6g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.2g

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 skillet, cook the ground beef 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, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, parsley, dill, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. 6.
   Fill each bell pepper with the beef 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 peppers upright in the baking dish. If desired, sprinkle grated cheese on top.
9. 9.
   Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. 10.
    Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
11. 11.
    Serve the Jersey-Style Stuffed Peppers hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bell peppers — Choose peppers that are firm and have a vibrant color. The peppers should be large enough to hold a generous amount of filling.
• Jersey tomatoes — Opt for ripe and juicy tomatoes to enhance the flavor of the dish. If Jersey tomatoes are not available, use any locally grown tomatoes for a fresh taste.
• Ground beef — Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
• Fresh herbs — The use of fresh parsley and dill adds a burst of freshness to the dish. If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a meat substitute of your choice.
• To make the dish more indulgent, sprinkle grated cheese on top of the stuffed peppers before baking.
• Serve the Jersey-Style Stuffed Peppers with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. The flavors tend to meld together even more, making it even more delicious.

Serving advice

Serve the Jersey-Style Stuffed Peppers as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. The peppers can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed peppers on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill. The vibrant colors of the peppers and the golden-brown topping will make the dish visually appealing.