Stuffed Bell Peppers My Way 🌶️
Introduction:
Stuffed Bell Peppers My Way is a delightful dish inspired by my Turkish landlady’s recipe from Ankara, with my own unique twists and modifications over the years. This recipe combines the flavors of the Middle East with a touch of Asian influence, resulting in a mouthwatering fusion dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Recipe Overview:
- Preparation Time: 0 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 10
- Cuisine: Turkish, Asian
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 cups Minute Rice
- 2 eggs
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 10 tablespoons currants
- 1 cup water
- 1 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon mint leaves, chopped
For the Sauce:
- Reserved sauce ingredients
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Minute Rice, eggs, finely chopped onion, pine nuts, milk, dried parsley, fresh parsley, currants, water, whole cloves, and cinnamon stick. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
2. Stuff the Peppers:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the prepared filling mixture, packing it firmly into the peppers.
3. Arrange in Baking Dish:
- Place the stuffed peppers in a large baking dish, arranging them snugly to prevent them from falling over.
- If there is any leftover meat mixture, shape it into large meatballs and place them in the baking dish alongside the stuffed peppers.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, combine the reserved sauce ingredients. Mix well to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.
5. Pour Sauce Over Peppers:
- Pour a small amount of the prepared sauce over each stuffed pepper, ensuring they are well coated.
- Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.
6. Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or a lid to trap the steam and moisture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1-1/2 hours, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
7. Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
- Transfer the stuffed peppers to a serving platter, garnish with chopped parsley or mint leaves, if desired.
- Serve hot, with the reserved sauce on the side.
Serving Suggestions:
- Stuffed Bell Peppers My Way pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Serve alongside fluffy rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes:
- For added flavor, you can double the sauce recipe to ensure there’s plenty to go around, especially if you have leftovers.
- If you have any leftover meat mixture after stuffing the peppers, don’t let it go to waste! Shape it into meatballs and bake them alongside the peppers for a tasty addition to the meal.
Conclusion:
With its rich blend of spices, savory ground beef, and tender bell peppers, Stuffed Bell Peppers My Way is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether served as a hearty weeknight dinner or as part of a festive gathering, this dish brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Enjoy! 🍽️
