Mistes Piperies (Stuffed Peppers)

Mistes Piperies are perfect for social evenings. With a glass of Greek wine, even everyday life becomes a little celebration.

Ingredients for 2-3 people:

• 3 large peppers
• 100g rice
• 250 g mixed minced meat
• 2 tbsp Minos extra virgin olive oil for frying
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes (400 g)
• 150g feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• A bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 150ml vegetable stock
• 2-3 tbsp Minos extra virgin olive oil

Preparation:

Preparation time: approx. 40 minutes

Baking time: 50 minutes

Difficulty level: medium

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. Wash the peppers, cut off the top and remove the seeds. Set the peppers aside.
3. Heat Minos extra virgin olive oil in a frying pan. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft.
4. Add the mixed mince and fry until crumbly and browned and cooked through.
5. Add the tomato paste and fry briefly.
6. Add the diced tomatoes, rice, oregano and vegetable stock to the pan. Turn the heat down and let the rice simmer gently until there is only a small amount of liquid left in the pan. The rice will then not be fully cooked.
7. Transfer the pan mixture to a large bowl. Add the crumbled feta and chopped parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
8. Fill the prepared peppers with the mixture, not quite to the top as the rice will continue to swell. Place the lids on the filled peppers and place them next to each other in an ovenproof dish.
9. Pour a little water into the dish and drizzle the peppers generously with Minos extra virgin olive oil .
10. Bake the stuffed peppers for about 50 minutes, until tender.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tip: The filling also tastes delicious with zucchini, eggplant or other vegetables. The Gemistes also taste good without meat and cheese. There are no limits to your imagination. Whatever vegetables you have at home can be used. It goes well with a Greek farmer's salad and baguette.