Greek Stuffed Peppers with Rice
Greek Stuffed Peppers with Rice
Embark on a flavorful journey with our Greek Stuffed Peppers with Rice recipe. Reminiscent of the vibrant and savory cuisines of Greece, this dish features bell peppers filled with a delightful mixture of rice, herbs, and savory ingredients, echoing the balance and passion found in Mediterranean cooking. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a show-stealing side dish, these stuffed peppers promise a burst of traditional Greek flavors that are both satisfying and comforting.
Ingredients
- 6 medium bell peppers (any color)
- 250g (1 1/4 cups) long-grain rice
- 500ml (about 2 cups) vegetable broth or water
- 300g (10.5 oz) ground beef or lamb (optional for a non-vegetarian version)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 100g (about 1 cup) feta cheese, crumbled
- 60g (1/4 cup) olive oil
- 400g (14 oz) can of diced tomatoes
- 10g (2 tsp) dried oregano
- 10g (2 tsp) dried mint
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Kitchen Equipment Required
- Large Skillet or Saucepan
- Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Knife for Chopping
- Aluminum Foil
Cooking Time
Total estimated time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures the stuffed peppers cook thoroughly and uniformly.
Step 2: Prepare the Peppers
Wash and dry the bell peppers. Slice the tops off and remove the seeds and membranes inside. Set the prepared peppers aside.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
In a large skillet, heat half of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent. Stir in the rice, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until slightly toasted.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
If using, add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned. Then, add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, mint, salt, and pepper. Stir well, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice absorbs most of the liquid.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers
Remove from the heat and mix in the crumbled feta cheese. Stuff the bell peppers with the rice mixture, pressing down to fill them completely. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
Step 6: Bake
Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the stuffed peppers and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, removing the foil during the last 10 minutes to lightly brown the tops.
Step 7: Serve
Let the stuffed peppers cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing squeeze of citrus.
Conclusion
Celebrating timeless Greek culinary traditions, these stuffed peppers beautifully unite simple ingredients into a splendid dish full of rustic charm and robust flavors. Greek Stuffed Peppers with Rice are not just about nourishment; they offer a connection to a culture where meals are about sharing and valuing both food and company. This dish invites you to your own Mediterranean table to delight in every bite. Enjoy this gem of Greek cuisine!
