Punjene Paprike, or stuffed peppers, is a beloved dish in Serbian cuisine, as well as in many other Balkan countries. It features bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, onions, and spices, then simmered in a tomato-based sauce. The dish is known for its comforting flavors and the way it beautifully combines the sweetness of the peppers with the rich, savory filling. Punjene Paprike is typically served as a main course, often accompanied by mashed potatoes or fresh bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Ingredients:

• 8 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• 500g ground beef or pork (or a mixture of both)
• 100g uncooked rice
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 500ml water or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set the prepared peppers aside.

2. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

3. Stuff the Peppers: Fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, packing it in firmly but not too tightly, as the rice will expand during cooking. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a large pot or Dutch oven.

4. Make the Tomato Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water or broth, and sugar (if using). Pour the sauce over the stuffed peppers in the pot, ensuring they are mostly covered with the liquid.

5. Cook the Peppers: Bring the pot to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours. The peppers should be tender, and the filling should be fully cooked.

6. Serve: Serve the stuffed peppers hot, garnished with fresh parsley. They are often served with mashed potatoes or bread to enjoy the sauce.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 1 stuffed pepper):

• Calories: ~300 kcal
• Proteins: ~20g
• Carbs: ~30g
• Fiber: ~5g

Nutritional Summary: Punjene Paprike is a well-balanced dish that provides a good amount of protein from the ground meat, carbohydrates from the rice, and fiber from the peppers. It’s a relatively low-calorie meal that is also rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C from the bell peppers. The dish is filling and nutritious, making it a popular choice for a wholesome family dinner.