Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup water
Special equipment needed:
- Large baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, cumin, and coriander. Mix well.
4. Add the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and chopped mint to the beef mixture. Mix well.
5. Stuff the bell peppers with the beef mixture, packing it in tightly.
6. Place the stuffed peppers in a large baking dish.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, tomato sauce, and water. Pour the mixture over the stuffed peppers.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the beef is cooked through.
10. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 22g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground lamb or turkey can be substituted for the ground beef.
- Quinoa or couscous can be substituted for the rice.
- Goat cheese or ricotta cheese can be substituted for the feta cheese.
- Dried parsley and mint can be substituted for the fresh herbs.
Variations:
- Add chopped tomatoes to the beef mixture.
- Top the stuffed peppers with shredded cheese before baking.
- Use different colored bell peppers for a more colorful dish.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pack the beef mixture tightly into the peppers to prevent them from falling apart.
- If the peppers are not standing upright, slice a thin piece off the bottom to create a flat surface.
- Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storage instructions:
Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the stuffed peppers on a bed of rice or with a side salad.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika.
Pairings:
Serve with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Greek salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the peppers are not cooking evenly, rotate the baking dish halfway through cooking.
- If the beef mixture is too dry, add a splash of water or tomato sauce to moisten it.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the beef mixture to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Wash your hands and all surfaces that come into contact with raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.
Food history:
Gjizë-Style Stuffed Peppers are a traditional Albanian dish, typically made with ground lamb and rice.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, slightly spicy, and tangy from the feta cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
Related Categories
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Region: Albanian
Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Herbaceous, Aromatic