Venizelika Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers 4 large bell peppers
• 250g (9 oz) ground beef 250g (9 oz) ground beef
• 250g (9 oz) ground pork 250g (9 oz) ground pork
• 1/2 cup (100g) cooked rice 1/2 cup (100g) cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1/4 cup (60g) crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup (60g) crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for garnish) Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 22g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
• Carbohydrates: 19g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cut the tops off 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, tomato sauce, olive oil, water, feta cheese, parsley, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. 4.
   Stuff the bell peppers 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 cover with aluminum foil.
6. 6.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
7. 7.
   Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and slightly charred.
8. 8.
   Optional: Sprinkle the stuffed peppers with lemon zest before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

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 with ground turkey or chicken.
• Feta cheese — Opt for a high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use goat cheese instead.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with cooked lentils or quinoa.
• Experiment with different types of bell peppers for a colorful presentation.
• Serve the stuffed peppers with a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for added creaminess.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the stuffing mixture.
• Leftover stuffed peppers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, either cold or reheated.

Serving advice

Serve the Venizelika Stuffed Peppers hot as a main course. Accompany them with a side of Greek salad and crusty bread to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed peppers on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest. The vibrant colors of the peppers will make for an eye-catching presentation.