Ukrainian Stuffed Peppers
Tender bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and aromatic vegetables, baked in a rich tomato-sour cream sauce. This dish is a comforting and flavorful staple in Ukrainian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 medium Bell peppers(any color, tops removed, seeds scooped out)
- 500 g Mixed ground meat(beef and pork blend recommended)
- 100 g Rice(uncooked, rinsed)
- 135 g Onions(finely chopped)
- 60 g Carrots(grated)
- 40 g Tomato paste
- 20 ml Sour cream
- 4 g Salt
- 2 g Black pepper
- 2 g Paprika powder
- 6 g Sugar
- 6 g Parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 cup Water(for simmering)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the filling: In a pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened. Add grated carrots and sauté for another 3-5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, salt, pepper, paprika, and sugar. Simmer for a few minutes. Add the cooked rice and mix well until combined.
- 2
Pre-cook the ground meat separately until browned, then drain excess fat. Add the browned meat to the vegetable and rice mixture and combine thoroughly.
- 3
Wash the bell peppers, cut off the tops, and carefully remove the seeds.
- 4
Evenly fill each pepper with the meat and rice mixture. Place the tops back on the peppers.
- 5
Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish or pot. Pour the water and sour cream over them.
- 6
Cover the dish and cook over medium heat for about 40-45 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
- 7
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use a blend of ground beef and pork.
- ✓Ensure the rice is cooked al dente before mixing with the filling, as it will continue to cook inside the pepper.
- ✓If the peppers are not standing upright, you can cut a small slice off the bottom to create a flat base.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Substitute chicken or turkey for the ground meat.
- Add finely chopped mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- For a vegetarian version, use a filling of rice, mushrooms, vegetables, and cheese.