Punjene Paprike, or Stuffed Peppers, is a classic Serbian dish featuring bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for family meals and special occasions. Here’s how to make it at home.
Ingredients:
- 6 large bell peppers (any color)
- 500g ground beef
- 250g ground pork
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 liter tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Peppers:
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse and set aside.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, uncooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Stuff the Peppers:
- Fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, packing it tightly but leaving a little space at the top for the rice to expand.
- Cook the Peppers:
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in the pot.
- Pour the tomato sauce and beef broth over the peppers. Add the bay leaves and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
- Serve:
- Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish the stuffed peppers with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot, with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Enjoy your homemade Punjene Paprike, a comforting and flavorful Serbian stuffed pepper dish!