Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 cup of cooked rice
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup of chopped lountza (smoked pork loin)
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup of chopped onion
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- A baking dish
- A sharp knife
- A spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked rice, feta cheese, lountza, parsley, mint, dill, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the bell peppers with the rice mixture and place them in the baking dish.
5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is golden brown.
7. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 290
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 420mg
Sugar: 7g
Fiber: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of cooked rice you prefer.
- If you don't have lountza, you can substitute it with bacon or ham.
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer instead of feta.
Variations:
- You can add chopped tomatoes or tomato sauce to the rice mixture for a more tomatoey flavor.
- You can add chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the rice mixture for a crunchy texture.
- You can add cooked ground beef or lamb to the rice mixture for a meatier filling.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to choose bell peppers that are large enough to stuff.
- You can use a mixture of different colored bell peppers for a more colorful dish.
- If the bell peppers don't stand up straight in the baking dish, you can slice a thin layer off the bottom to make them more stable.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the stuffed peppers, place them in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the stuffed peppers on a bed of fresh greens, such as lettuce or arugula.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or pita bread.
- Serve with a side of Greek salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Hummus and pita bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the rice mixture seems too dry, you can add a splash of olive oil or a tablespoon of water to moisten it.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the stuffed peppers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food history:
- Lountza is a traditional Cypriot smoked pork loin that is often used in Mediterranean cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
- Smoky, savory, and herbaceous.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Cyprus
Taste: Savory, Tangy, Smoky, Spicy, Herbaceous