Greek Style Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Greek Style Stuffed Peppers are a delightful and healthy dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Greece to your kitchen. This recipe combines fresh vegetables, hearty meat, and aromatic spices, creating a meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a flavorful dish to impress guests, these stuffed peppers are sure to please everyone at the table.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Greek Style Stuffed Peppers is a great way to enjoy a balanced meal. They’re packed with protein from the ground beef and chickpeas, and filled with colorful bell peppers, making them visually appealing. This dish is also flexible, allowing you to use different colors of peppers and tweak the spices to suit your taste. Additionally, they are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for busy days.
How to Make Greek Style Stuffed Peppers
Making Greek Style Stuffed Peppers is simple and straightforward. Follow the steps below for a delicious meal!
Ingredients:
- Greek extra virgin olive oil (I used Private Reserve EVOO)
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- Kosher salt + black pepper
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 cup cooked or canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 small bunch fresh parsley, chopped (about 1 cup packed fresh parsley, or a mixture of chopped fresh parsley and fresh dill)
- 1 cup white rice, soaked in water for 20 to 30 minutes, then drained
- 3/4 tsp hot or sweet paprika
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 2 1/4 cup water
- 6 bell peppers, any colors, tops removed and cored
- 3/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
Directions:
- In a medium heavy pot, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Sauté the chopped onions until golden.
- Add the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until deeply browned. Season with salt, pepper, allspice, and minced garlic (or garlic powder).
- Stir in the chickpeas and cook briefly.
- To the same pot, add the parsley, drained rice, paprika, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
- Add the water and bring to a high simmer until the liquid has reduced by half. Then, turn the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and tender. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
- While the rice is cooking, heat a grill, indoor griddle, or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the bell peppers for 10-15 minutes, covered, and turn them as needed to soften and color.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool briefly. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Assemble the bell peppers open-side up in a baking dish filled with 3/4 cup broth or water. Fill each pepper with the cooked stuffing mixture of meat, rice, and chickpeas.
- Cover the baking dish with foil (making sure the foil does not touch the stuffed peppers) and bake on the middle rack for 20-30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve.
How to Serve Greek Style Stuffed Peppers
Serve Greek Style Stuffed Peppers hot from the oven for the best flavor. They pair wonderfully with a side of Tzatziki sauce for a refreshing dip, along with a Greek salad for added crunch and freshness.
How to Store Greek Style Stuffed Peppers
To store your leftover Greek Style Stuffed Peppers, let them cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350 degrees F until heated through.
Tips to Make Greek Style Stuffed Peppers
- Feel free to experiment with other veggies in the stuffing, like zucchini or spinach.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or lamb for a different flavor.
- Make sure to sauté the onions well; this adds depth to the overall taste.
- Soaking the rice is essential for it to cook evenly and absorb flavors.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and add more chickpeas or other legumes. You can also include more vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant in the stuffing.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bell peppers for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bell peppers, but they may be softer after cooking. Thaw them before grilling for better results.
2. Can I prepare the stuffing in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the stuffing a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just stuff the peppers and bake on the day you plan to serve them.
3. Are stuffed peppers healthy?
Yes, stuffed peppers are nutritious! They are low in calories and high in vitamins from the peppers and protein from the chickpeas and meat.
Enjoy making Greek Style Stuffed Peppers, and savor the delicious flavors of this easy and satisfying dish!
