Albanian Stuffed Peppers with Cheese (Speca me Maz)

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers 4 large bell peppers
• 200g (7oz) feta cheese, crumbled 200g (7oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 100g (3.5oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded 100g (3.5oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 50g (1.8oz) Parmesan cheese, grated 50g (1.8oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling Olive oil for drizzling

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Total), 11g (Saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (Total), 5g (Sugars)
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. 3.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the feta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, parsley, dill, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. 4.
   Stuff each bell pepper with the cheese mixture, pressing it down gently.
5. 5.
   Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
6. 6.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Feta cheese — Make sure to crumble the feta cheese into small pieces for a more even distribution throughout the filling.
• Mozzarella cheese — Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melting and texture.
• Parmesan cheese — Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more intense flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or Gouda, to personalize the flavor.
• Serve the stuffed peppers with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for added creaminess.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold or reheated for a quick and delicious meal.
• Serve the stuffed peppers as a main course with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Serving advice

Serve the Speca me Maz hot, straight from the oven, as the cheese filling is at its most gooey and irresistible.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stuffed peppers with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.