Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 large bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Pirotski Kačkavalj cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup water
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, cooked rice, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the grated Pirotski Kačkavalj cheese and chopped parsley to the mixture and mix well.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, packing it tightly.
6. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
7. In a separate bowl, mix together the 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, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 315
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 23g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Pirotski Kačkavalj cheese can be substituted with any other hard cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms, to the meat and rice mixture.
- Use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a different flavor.
- Add a spicy kick by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the tomato sauce mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pack the meat and rice mixture tightly into the bell peppers to prevent them from falling apart while cooking.
- If the stuffed peppers are browning too quickly, cover them with foil again while baking.
- 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 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 quinoa for a complete meal.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the stuffed peppers are falling apart while cooking, make sure to pack the meat and rice mixture tightly into the peppers.
- If the cheese is browning too quickly, cover the peppers with foil while baking.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the stuffed peppers to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Pirotski Kačkavalj cheese is a traditional Serbian cheese that is similar to cheddar. It is often used in Serbian cuisine, including in this recipe for stuffed peppers.
Flavor profiles:
The Pirotski Kačkavalj cheese adds a rich, savory flavor to the stuffed peppers, while the paprika and garlic add a subtle spice.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the stuffed peppers with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.
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Region: Bulgarian