Italian recipes
  1. Home
  2. Recipe types
  3. Side dishes
  4. Stuffed peppers (à la grandma Fani)
Side dishes

Stuffed peppers (à la grandma Fani)

⏱ 90 min🍳 60 min👤 4 pp★★★☆☆

What a pleasure it is to visit my Grandma Fani! As you may know, she is my greatest teacher and inspiration in the kitchen. I spent summers with her and my grandfather, and admired her as she moved quickly back and forth from the beloved vegetable garden and kitchen. To her I owe many tips, tricks and techniques, both practical and intuitive, that no one else could have taught me. And perhaps it is thanks to her if I'm lucky enough now to be a good chef. Visiting her this weekend I once again became her little boy and made one of the dishes that are part of the Slovenian tradition and also of my childhood. I assure you that even if you are quick in and around the kitchen, she is really fast! It was hard to keep up with her! We made these peppers stuffed with ground meat and rice together. We chose some white peppers that are typical of Slovenia, but if you can’t find them don’t worry: you can use normal yellow and red peppers that are available virtually everywhere, and the result will be equally tasty. Ready then? Let’s start making stuffed peppers (as my grandmother Fani makes them).

Ingredients

Nutritional values 280 kcal / serving
Protein
6g
Carbohydrates
35g
Fat
12g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
90 minutes Total time
60 minutes Active time
Serves 4 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

First wash and prepare the peppers. Don’t cut them in half, but open them by cutting around the stem and then removing their seeds. You should get ten empty peppers ready to hold the filling. Coarsely chop the onion and fry with a little oil and a tablespoon of lard. Crumble the meat thoroughly and let it fry with the onions; add plenty of salt, and some marjoram. Add a dash of white wine. Add the rice to the meat mixture and sauté everything for 3 minutes. Fill the peppers with this mixture of meat and rice, but be careful not to overdo it because the rice will swell during cooking. Now melt the butter in a pan and mix it with the flour; briefly cook. Add two tablespoons of tomato paste and dissolve in the flour and then add the remaining tomatoes and 500 ml of warm water. Season the sauce with stock granules, salt, sugar and paprika. In a large baking dish with high sides, arrange the peppers close together and drizzle with the tomato sauce. Cook on the hob on a low heat for an hour.

Tips
If you want to prepare the recipe for peppers stuffed with vegetables which you grow at home, remember that you plant your peppers in February and March, and pick them between the months of June and September.
Trivia
The pepper has its origins in Latin American and arrived in Europe, along with many other foodstuffs, following the voyage of Christopher Columbus.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Stuffed Peppers with Rice and Meat

Stuffed peppers can be prepared in many variations, and one of the most appreciated is definitely the one with rice and meat. In this version, the filling is enriched with a mix of rice, ground meat, and herbs, such as marjoram and paprika. To prepare this dish, after hollowing out the peppers, you proceed to sauté the onion with a bit of lard, then add the ground meat and rice. This mix is cooked and flavored with a splash of white wine and a pinch of vegetable broth, all to be poured into the peppers before baking them. The result is a flavorful and hearty dish, ideal for a family dinner or with friends.

Friulian Stuffed Peppers

The recipe for stuffed peppers has deep roots in the culinary tradition of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Here, the peppers are prepared following typical methods of the region, with a filling that often includes fresh and genuine ingredients like onion, meat, and local spices. The preparation can vary from family to family, but the final result is always a dish rich in authentic flavors. Friulian stuffed peppers can also be served with a tomato sauce, which further enhances their taste. This regional variant is perfect for celebrating local products and bringing a piece of Friulian culture to the table.

Light Stuffed Peppers without Lard

For those looking for a lighter version of stuffed peppers, it is possible to make them without lard, replacing it with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This light variant maintains the flavors intact but reduces the caloric content of the dish. By using lean meat and limiting the use of salt, a tasty and healthy filling is achieved. Additionally, one can opt for whole grain rice, which adds more fiber and nutrients to the dish. This preparation is ideal for those who wish to enjoy a traditional dish without sacrificing their diet, perfect for a light lunch or an informal dinner.

Benefits of Peppers: Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants

Peppers are a healthy and nutritious ingredient. Rich in vitamins C, A, and antioxidants, they contribute to strengthening the immune system and protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. Furthermore, they are low in calories and high in fiber, promoting healthy and regular digestion. A medium pepper contains about 30 calories, making it an excellent choice for those following a balanced diet. Incorporating stuffed peppers into one's diet means not only allowing for a dish rich in flavor but also an excellent source of essential nutrients for the well-being of the body.

Can Stuffed Peppers be Frozen?

Many wonder if it is possible to freeze stuffed peppers, and the answer is affirmative. To freeze them best, it is advisable to cook them slightly in advance, then let them cool completely. Once cool, they can be placed in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. When you wish to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven. This method allows for preserving the flavor and texture of the peppers, making them ready to use even after weeks. Freezing stuffed peppers is an excellent solution to always have a tasty and nutritious dish on hand.