Ardei Umpluți (Romanian Stuffed Peppers)
Ardei Umpluți are a beloved Romanian dish of bell peppers stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground meat (typically pork and beef), rice, and aromatic vegetables, then simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce. These peppers are tender and hearty, offering a complete and satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 6 large Bell peppers(preferably yellow or red, with tops reserved)
- 400 g Ground pork
- 200 g Ground beef
- 0.66 cup Short-grain white rice(uncooked)
- 2 medium Yellow onions(finely chopped)
- 4 large Tomatoes(sliced for lids and crushed for sauce)
- 5 tbsp Tomato paste
- 3 tbsp Fresh parsley(finely chopped)
- 2 tsp Smoked paprika
- 2 tsp Dried dill
- 3 dried Bay leaves
- 1.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2.25 tsp Salt
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil(for sautéing and filling)
- 1 large Egg(optional, for binding the filling)
- 1.5 cups Water(for cooking liquid)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the peppers: Cut off the tops of the peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Set the tops aside.
💡 Tip: Ensure the inside is clean to avoid any bitterness. - 2
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, uncooked rice, finely chopped onions, tomato paste, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, dried dill, salt, and pepper. If using, add the egg. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
💡 Tip: Sautéing the onions before adding them to the mix can enhance flavor. - 3
Stuff the peppers: Generously fill each prepared pepper with the meat and rice mixture, packing it gently. Leave a little space at the top for the rice to expand.
- 4
Arrange the peppers: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a large, deep pot or Dutch oven. Tuck the reserved pepper tops over them if using.
💡 Tip: Ensure the peppers fit snugly to prevent them from falling over. - 5
Add the cooking liquid: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, and 1.5 cups of water. Pour this mixture over and around the peppers in the pot.
- 6
Simmer the peppers: Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peppers are tender and the rice is fully cooked.
💡 Tip: Check occasionally and add more water if the liquid reduces too much. - 7
Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve the Ardei Umpluți hot, spooning some of the cooking sauce over each pepper. They are traditionally served with a dollop of sour cream and a side of mămăligă (polenta) or crusty bread.
💡 Tip: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking can help the flavors meld.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use a mix of ground pork and beef.
- ✓Don't overstuff the peppers, as the rice will expand.
- ✓If you don't have fresh tomatoes, tomato passata or purée can be used for the sauce.
- ✓Adjust seasoning to your preference.
🔄 Variations
- Vegetarian version: Replace meat with a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, and more vegetables.
- Add grated carrots to the filling for extra sweetness and color.
- Some recipes include a tablespoon of tomato paste in the filling itself for added depth.