Haipai-style Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients

In this Haipai adaptation, the traditional Albanian dish of Speca me maz is transformed into a Haipai-style creation. While the original dish focuses on the simplicity of bell peppers and yogurt, the Haipai version incorporates a wider range of flavors and techniques. The stuffing is enhanced with Haipai spices and herbs, and the dish is cooked in a tomato-based sauce for a richer taste. The result is a fusion dish that pays homage to both cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Speca me maz, so you can check it out.

• 4 large bell peppers 4 large bell peppers
• 300g (10.5 oz) ground pork 300g (10.5 oz) ground pork
• 300g (10.5 oz) ground beef 300g (10.5 oz) 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 chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups (470ml) tomato sauce 2 cups (470ml) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (235ml) chicken broth 1 cup (235ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• 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 pork, ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, parsley, dill, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. 4.
   Stuff the bell peppers with the meat and rice mixture, pressing it down gently.
5. 5.
   In a baking dish, mix together the tomato sauce, chicken broth, and olive oil. Place the stuffed bell peppers in the dish.
6. 6.
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
7. 7.
   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and slightly charred.
8. 8.
   Serve the Haipai-style Stuffed Bell Peppers hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bell peppers — Choose bell peppers that are firm and have vibrant colors. The peppers should be large enough to hold the stuffing without splitting.
• Ground pork and beef — Opt for lean ground meat to reduce the fat content of the dish.
• Tomato sauce — Use a high-quality tomato sauce for the best flavor. You can also make your own by blending fresh tomatoes and cooking them down with herbs and spices.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes to the meat mixture.
• Experiment with different types of bell peppers for a variety of flavors and colors.
• Serve the stuffed bell peppers with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop even more.

Serving advice

Haipai-style Stuffed Bell Peppers are best served hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra pop of color and flavor. Pair them with a side of steamed rice or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed bell peppers on a platter, drizzle some of the tomato sauce over them, and sprinkle with fresh herbs. The vibrant colors of the peppers and the rich red sauce will create an eye-catching presentation.