Stuffed Bell Peppers – Recipe and Preparation Instructions

Stuffed Bell Peppers – Recipe and Preparation Instructions

Stuffed bell peppers are a classic and beloved dish, particularly popular in Turkish cuisine. This main course is often served at family gatherings for lunch, offering a nutritious and flavorful combination of rice, ground meat, and tomato sauce. Here's how to prepare stuffed bell peppers.


Ingredients for Stuffed Bell Peppers:

Stuffed Bell Peppers


For the Peppers:

  • 2 kg of bell peppers (green or any color, hollowed out).
  • Tomato slices (for covering the peppers).

For the Stuffing:

  • 1 kg of finely ground lamb.
  • 3 cups of short-grain Egyptian rice (washed and soaked).
  • 3 onions, chopped.
  • A small bunch of parsley, chopped.
  • 3 tablespoons of tomato paste.
  • Salt to taste.
  • A pinch of black pepper.
  • A pinch of spices (sumac, mixed spices, cumin).
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  • A pinch of ground thyme.
  • A little water.

For the Broth:

  • Tomato paste.
  • A pinch of salt.
  • A little olive oil.
  • Water.

Cooking Method for Stuffed Bell Peppers:

  1. Prepare the Bell Peppers:

    • Wash the bell peppers thoroughly.
    • Remove the tops and hollow out the seeds, making them ready for stuffing.
  2. Prepare the Stuffing:

    • Soak the Egyptian rice in warm water for 15 minutes, then drain.
    • In a deep bowl, mix the ground lamb with the drained rice.
    • Add the chopped onions, parsley, salt, black pepper, cumin, sumac, and mixed spices.
    • Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ground thyme, and a little water.
    • Mix thoroughly until the stuffing is well combined.
  3. Stuff the Peppers:

    • Fill each pepper with about 2-3 tablespoons of the stuffing.
    • Slice the tomatoes into circular pieces and place one slice over the opening of each pepper to seal the stuffing inside.
  4. Arrange and Cook:

    • Place the stuffed peppers upright in a deep pot.
    • Prepare the broth by mixing tomato paste, olive oil, salt, and water in a separate bowl. Pour the broth over the peppers until they are almost submerged.
    • Cover the pot and cook over medium heat for about 1 hour, or until the peppers and stuffing are fully cooked.
  5. Serve:

    • Transfer the stuffed peppers to a serving dish.
    • Serve hot with the flavorful broth poured over the top.

This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a satisfying family meal. Enjoy your stuffed bell peppers with your loved ones. Bon appétit!

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