Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 large bell peppers, any color
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 lb. ground pork
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp. chopped fresh basil
- 1 tbsp. chopped fresh oregano
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. cumin
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 1/2 cup finely chopped kulen (smoked paprika sausage)
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
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. Set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, milk, onion, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, chili powder, and kulen. Mix well.
4. Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers, packing it tightly.
5. Place the stuffed peppers in a large pot and add enough water to cover the bottom of the pot.
6. Cover the pot and simmer the peppers for 20 minutes.
7. Transfer the peppers to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
8. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 6 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 390
Fat: 19g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 28g
Sodium: 840mg
Sugar: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef and pork.
- Any type of cooked rice can be used.
- Any type of hard cheese can be substituted for the Parmesan cheese.
- Any type of sausage can be substituted for the kulen.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms to the filling.
- Use different types of cheese such as feta or cheddar.
- Use different types of sausage such as chorizo or andouille.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a spoon to remove the seeds and membranes from the bell peppers.
- Make sure to pack the filling tightly into the peppers.
- Use a baking dish that is just the right size for the peppers to prevent them from falling over.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
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 baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 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 parsley or cilantro.
Pairings:
Serve with a glass of red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the peppers are not cooking evenly, rotate the baking dish halfway through cooking.
- If the filling is too dry, add more milk.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the peppers until they are tender and the filling is cooked through to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Kulen is a type of smoked paprika sausage that originated in Croatia. It is made from ground pork, garlic, and paprika, and is often used in traditional Croatian dishes.
Flavor profiles:
The Kulen-Stuffed Peppers have a smoky and slightly spicy flavor from the kulen sausage and paprika seasoning.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Kulen-Stuffed Peppers as a main course for dinner or as a hearty lunch.
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Region: Croatian