Greek Style Stuffed Peppers
Introduction
Greek Style Stuffed Peppers are a delightful and colorful dish that combines bell peppers with a savory filling of ground beef, rice, and chickpeas. This recipe brings together the flavors of Greece and presents them in a healthy, easy-to-make meal that will impress your family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Greek Style Stuffed Peppers is a great way to enjoy a nutritious meal that is both filling and satisfying. They are easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste. Plus, they’re a fun and unique way to serve vegetables.
How to Make Greek Style Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon Greek extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 0.5 lb ground beef
- To taste: kosher salt, black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 cup cooked or canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 small bunch fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup white rice, soaked in water for 20 to 30 minutes, then drained
- 0.75 teaspoon hot or sweet paprika
- 0.25 cup tomato sauce
- 2.25 cups water
- 6 bell peppers, any colors, tops removed and cored
- 0.75 cup chicken broth (or water)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish that can fit all your peppers snugly.
- Heat a generous drizzle of Greek extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Break up the meat as it browns. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and allspice. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until no pink remains.
- Stir in the minced garlic (or garlic powder) and cook for 1 minute. Then add the chickpeas, half the chopped parsley, drained rice, and paprika. Cook for another 2 minutes to let all the flavors mingle.
- Add tomato sauce and 2 1/4 cups water directly to the skillet. Bring to a simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let the mixture simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the rice is about halfway cooked and liquid is partially absorbed. Remove from heat.
- Arrange the cored bell peppers upright in the baking dish. Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each pepper, filling them almost to the top. Reserve any leftover filling to scatter around the peppers in the baking dish.
- Pour chicken broth (or water) into the bottom of the dish, around the peppers. This will steam them gently and keep everything moist as it bakes.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the tops are lightly golden.
- Scatter remaining parsley over the cooked peppers. Let them cool slightly before serving so the flavors can develop.
How to Serve Greek Style Stuffed Peppers
Serve Greek Style Stuffed Peppers warm. They can be enjoyed as a main dish or paired with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Greek Style Stuffed Peppers
Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Tips to Make Greek Style Stuffed Peppers
- Choose bell peppers that are firm and unblemished for the best results.
- Feel free to add more vegetables or spices to the filling, such as zucchini or cumin, for extra flavor.
- To make this dish vegetarian, replace the ground beef with lentils or more chickpeas.
Variations
You can customize the filling by adding other proteins like chicken, or switch to quinoa instead of rice for a healthier option.
FAQs
Can I make stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers up to a day in advance. Store them in the fridge and bake them when ready to serve.Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Absolutely! Stuffed peppers can be frozen before baking. Wrap them tightly and they will last about three months in the freezer.What other types of peppers can I use?
While bell peppers are popular, you can also use poblano peppers or Anaheim peppers for a different flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Greek Style Stuffed Peppers!
