Prepare Delicious Stuffed Peppers for a Family Feast

A delightful recipe for stuffed peppers offers families a wholesome meal option, perfect for Sunday lunch. This dish combines fresh vegetables and rice, creating a nutritious and satisfying option that is suitable for those observing a plant-based diet.

Ingredients for the Perfect Stuffed Peppers

To prepare this dish, you will need the following ingredients:

– 8 small peppers (bell peppers or your choice)
– 200 grams of rice
– 1 onion
– 1 carrot
– 1 zucchini (or a small piece of pumpkin)
– 2 cloves of garlic
– 3 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– A bunch of fresh parsley (finely chopped)

For the sauce, gather:

– 500 ml of tomato juice or pureed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon of sugar
– 1 teaspoon of flour (optional, for thickening)
– A drizzle of olive oil
– Salt to taste

Steps to Create Your Stuffed Peppers

Begin by heating the olive oil in a pan. Sauté the finely chopped onion and garlic until they are translucent. Add the grated carrot and zucchini, cooking briefly until they soften. Then, incorporate the rice and dried herbs, mixing well. Add just enough water to bind the mixture and allow the rice to swell slightly without cooking it completely.

Next, prepare the peppers by cutting off the tops and removing the seeds. Fill each pepper with the rice mixture. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a pot or a deep baking dish.

For the sauce, heat the tomato juice in a separate pot, adding a little olive oil, sugar, and herbs. If a thicker sauce is desired, mix in the flour. Pour this sauce over the stuffed peppers.

Cover the pot and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes on low heat, or bake in the oven at 200 degrees Celsius for about 45 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the sauce thickens.

Serve your stuffed peppers alongside a fresh cabbage and carrot salad, boiled potatoes, or whole grain bread for a complete meal. Enjoy this delicious dish with family and friends, making it a memorable addition to your culinary repertoire.