Soko Kecze - Serbian Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

• 6 large bell peppers 6 large bell peppers
• 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
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup (40g) pitted olives, sliced 1/4 cup (40g) pitted olives, sliced
• 100g (3.5 oz) feta cheese, crumbled 100g (3.5 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling Olive oil for drizzling

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
• Carbohydrates: 22g (Sugars: 5g)
• Protein: 28g
• 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, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, sliced olives, crumbled feta cheese, 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 peppers in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
6. 6.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
7. 7.
   Serve the Soko Kecze hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can also use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for added flavor.
• Sun-dried tomatoes — If using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, make sure to drain them well before chopping.
• Feta cheese — Opt for a high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor. You can also substitute it with goat cheese if preferred.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the meat and rice mixture.
• Serve the Soko Kecze with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
• Experiment with different types of bell peppers for a colorful presentation.
• Leftover Soko Kecze can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop even more.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or mushrooms.

Serving advice

Serve the Soko Kecze as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad and crusty bread. It can also be served as part of a mezze platter or as an appetizer for a larger meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed peppers on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill. The vibrant colors of the peppers will make for an eye-catching presentation.