Traditional Ukrainian Style Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

2022-10-31

By Ukrainian Cuisine Lover

Ukrainian Cuisine

Main Course

Enjoy a traditional Ukrainian dish with this easy recipe for Ukrainian Style Stuffed Bell Peppers. 

Eastern Ukraine Delights

Also known as "paprika filled with meat" or "farcie" in Ukrainian, is a traditional Ukrainian main course. The dish originated in the Central and Eastern regions of Ukraine. 

How to make Ukrainian style stuffed bell peppers?

Stuffed peppers are typically made with ground meat, rice, onions, and spices, which are mixed together and then stuffed into hollowed-out bell peppers. The peppers are then cooked in a tomato-based sauce until tender and the filling is fully cooked.

Pitfalls on Stuffed Bell Peppers

 Choosing the right peppers: The choice of peppers is crucial in preparing stuffed peppers. Opt for bell peppers that are firm, with a flat bottom to ensure they stand upright during cooking. Look for peppers that have a thick and sturdy flesh to hold the stuffing.

 Preparing the peppers: Before stuffing, it's important to prepare the peppers properly. Cut off the tops and remove the seeds and membranes from the inside. Blanching the peppers in boiling water for a few minutes can help soften them slightly and make them easier to stuff.

 Creating a flavorful stuffing: The stuffing is the star of stuffed peppers. Create a flavorful mixture by combining cooked meat, such as ground beef or turkey, with cooked rice or quinoa, herbs, spices, and other ingredients of your choice. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and combinations.

 Ensuring even cooking: One challenge with stuffed peppers is achieving even cooking throughout. To ensure uniform cooking, fill the peppers tightly with the stuffing mixture, pressing it down gently. If the pepper caps are too small to cover the opening, you can secure them with toothpicks to keep the filling intact.

 Monitoring cooking time and temperature: Over or undercooking the peppers can result in a less-than-desirable texture. Bake the peppers in a preheated oven at the recommended temperature specified in the recipe. Monitor the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the peppers. Make sure the stuffing is cooked through without burning or drying out the peppers.

 Serving and presentation: Stuffed peppers make for an impressive and satisfying meal. Allow the cooked peppers to rest for a few minutes before serving to help them hold their shape. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs or a drizzle of sauce to enhance the presentation. Serve them hot and enjoy the delicious flavors!

Ingredients

• 6 bell peppers

• 1 cup short-grain rice (arborio)

• 2 cups broth

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1/2 lb ground pork

• 1/2 lb mushrooms, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup chopped dill

• 1/2 cup chopped parsley

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F

2. Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.

3. Rinse rice and drain well.

4. In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and cook until soft.

5. Add ground beef and pork to the same pan, stirring frequently until browned.

6. Add chopped mushrooms to the pan and cook for 5 minutes.

7. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, salt and black pepper.

8. Add the rice to the pan and cook for 3 minutes stirring constantly.

9. Pour in broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

10. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

11. Remove the pan from heat. Stir in sour cream, chopped dill and parsley.

12. Stuff the bell peppers with the rice and meat mixture.

13. Place stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish. Add some water to the dish.

14. Cover the dish with foil and bake in preheated oven for 40-50 minutes.

15. Serve hot.

Preparation Time 30 min

Cook Time 60 min

Total time 90 min

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 500

Fat: 25 g

Saturated Fat: 9 g

Carbohydrates: 30 g

Fiber: 3 g

Sugar: 5 g

Protein: 35 g

Regional Ingredients Variations of Stuffed peppers

Hutsul-style Stuffed Peppers: Known as "Hutsulski Farchi", this version is made with a mix of pork and beef meat, rice, and mushrooms, along with a mix of herbs like thyme and rosemary. It is typically served with sour cream and rye bread.

Carpathian-style Stuffed Peppers: Called "Karpatkski Farchi", this version is made with lamb meat, rice, and vegetables like onions, carrots, and tomatoes, along with a mix of spices like cumin and coriander. It is typically served with a tomato and cucumber salad.

Lviv-style Stuffed Peppers: Known as "Lvivski Farchi", this version is made with a mix of minced pork, beef, and chicken, along with rice and vegetables like carrots and celery. It is typically served with tomato sauce and mashed potatoes.

Donetsk-style Stuffed Peppers: Called "Donetski Farchi", this version is made with mushroom and rice stuffing, and a tomato and sour cream sauce. It is typically served with pickled cucumber and carrot salad.

Kyiv-style Stuffed Peppers: Known as "Kyivski Farchi", this version is made with a mix of beef and pork meat, along with rice and chopped tomatoes and onions. It is typically served with sour cream and dill.

Zakarpattia-style Stuffed Peppers: Called "Zakarpatski Farchi", this version is made with a mix of lamb, pork, and beef meat, along with a rice and mushroom filling. It is typically served with a mushroom sauce and polenta.

Chernihiv-style Stuffed Peppers: Known as "Chernihivski Farchi", this version is made with a mix of pork and beef meat, along with rice, onions, and dill. It is typically served with a tomato and herb sauce.

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