European > Balkan > Serbian

Užice Kajmak Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 large bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup Užice kajmak cheese, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth

Special equipment needed:
- Large baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, Užice kajmak cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Add the cooked ground beef mixture to the mixing bowl and stir until well combined.
7. Stuff each bell pepper with the mixture and place them in the baking dish.
8. Pour the diced tomatoes and beef broth over the stuffed peppers.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Serve hot.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 380
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef.
- Feta cheese or ricotta cheese can be substituted for the Užice kajmak cheese.

Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms to the ground beef mixture.
- Use different types of cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to remove all the seeds and membranes from the bell peppers to prevent bitterness.
- Use a spoon to stuff the peppers to avoid breaking them.
- If the cheese is not melted and bubbly after baking, broil for a few minutes until golden brown.

Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the stuffed peppers on a platter with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream.

Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or crusty bread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the peppers are not tender after baking, cover with foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- If the filling is too dry, add a splash of beef broth or tomato sauce.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
Užice kajmak cheese is a traditional Serbian cheese made from cow's milk.

Flavor profiles:
The stuffed peppers have a savory and cheesy flavor with a hint of paprika.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main dish for dinner or as a side dish for a larger meal.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Serbian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Rich, Creamy, Spicy, Sweet