Speca të Mbushura me Oriz dhe Perime
Vegetable and Rice Stuffed Peppers
A vibrant and healthy dish, Speca të Mbushura me Oriz dhe Perime features bell peppers generously stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, vegetables, and herbs. This vegetarian option is a staple in Kosovar cuisine, offering a delightful balance of textures and tastes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 large Bell peppers(any color, tops cut off and seeds removed)
- 1 cup Rice(uncooked, rinsed)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 medium Zucchini(diced)
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1.5 cups Vegetable broth
- 3 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 1 tbsp Fresh mint(chopped (optional))
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- 2
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add minced garlic, diced zucchini, and diced carrots. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- 4
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, rinsed rice, chopped parsley, chopped mint (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 5
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the rice is partially cooked.
- 6
Carefully spoon the rice and vegetable mixture into the prepared bell peppers, filling them generously.
- 7
Place the stuffed peppers upright in the baking dish. Pour any remaining vegetable broth into the bottom of the dish.
- 8
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- 9
Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is fully cooked and the top is slightly golden.
- 10
Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot, optionally with a dollop of yogurt.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can par-boil the peppers for 5 minutes before stuffing to ensure they are very tender.
- ✓Adjust the amount of broth based on how moist you like your filling.
- ✓Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, peas, or finely chopped mushrooms.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a non-vegetarian version, add cooked ground meat (beef, lamb, or chicken) to the rice and vegetable filling.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Top with grated cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.