Stuffed Peppers with Meat and Rice

Source/Author: Lu

Belarusian stuffed peppers with meat and rice are a classic home-style dish made with simple ingredients and slowly simmered in tomato sauce for a warm, comforting family meal.

Ingredients:

• rice	100 g
• salt	to taste
• ground black pepper	to taste
• onion	1 medium
• water	~400 ml
• carrot	1 medium
• fresh parsley	1 bunch
• bell peppers	6–7 medium
• ground meat	500 g
• tomato basil sauce	700 g

1. Rinse the rice well. Add to a saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 10–12 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and let cool.

2. Wash the bell peppers. Cut off the tops and remove seeds and membranes. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, grated carrot, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and black pepper. Mix well.

4. Fill each pepper tightly with the meat and rice mixture.

5. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a deep pot or saucepan.

6. In a bowl, mix the 700 g of tomato basil sauce with 400 ml water. Taste and adjust with salt and a small pinch of sugar if needed.

7. Pour the sauce over the peppers so they are mostly covered.

8. Cover the pot with a lid and cook over medium heat for 30–35 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the filling is fully cooked.

9. Serve hot, with the sauce spooned over the top.

* Pair with fresh bread or rye bread to soak up the sauce.

* Sprinkle with fresh herbs (parsley or chives) before serving.

* Serve with a light cucumber or cabbage salad for freshness.

* Make a large batch of stuffed peppers, freeze them, and cook whenever you need a quick homemade meal.