Stuffed Bell Peppers with Macedonian Flair

Ingredients

• 6 large bell peppers 6 large bell peppers
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground pork 500g (1.1 lb) ground pork
• 1 cup (200g) cooked rice 1 cup (200g) cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable or chicken broth 1 cup (240ml) vegetable or chicken broth

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 9g)
• Carbohydrates: 25g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• 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, ground pork, cooked rice, onion, garlic, parsley, dill, paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt. 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 drizzle with olive oil.
6. 6.
   Pour the vegetable or chicken broth into the bottom of the baking dish.
7. 7.
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
8. 8.
   Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
9. 9.
   Serve the Polneti Piperki hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef and pork — Make sure to use lean ground meat for a healthier option. If desired, you can substitute one of the meats with ground turkey or chicken.
• Bell peppers — Choose firm and vibrant bell peppers for the best results. You can use a mix of different colored peppers to add visual appeal to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes to the filling mixture.
• Serve the Polneti Piperki with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify.

Serving advice

Polneti Piperki can be served as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or crusty bread. It pairs well with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, on top of the stuffed peppers before serving. The vibrant colors of the peppers and the aromatic herbs will make the dish visually appealing.