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Polneti Piperki Recipe – Balkans Special
Polneti Piperki is a classic Balkan stuffed pepper dish loved for its comforting flavors and hearty ingredients. This traditional recipe features bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, onions, and aromatic spices, then slowly cooked in a light tomato sauce until tender. Popular across many Southeast European countries, this dish is often prepared for family meals and special gatherings because of its rich taste and satisfying texture. The peppers absorb the flavorful sauce while the filling becomes soft and aromatic, making this authentic Polneti Piperki recipe a delicious and comforting main course typically served with bread, yogurt, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time20 min
- Cook Time40 min
- Total Time1 hr
Polneti Piperki Ingredients:
- 6 bell peppers
- 300 g ground beef or pork
- 1/2 cup rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Polneti Piperki Instructions:
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
Heat oil in a pan and sauté chopped onions until soft.
Add garlic and cook briefly.
Stir in ground meat and cook until browned.
Add rice, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Mix well and cook for a few minutes.
Stuff the mixture into the prepared peppers.
Place the stuffed peppers in a pot or baking dish.
Pour tomato sauce over the peppers.
Cover and cook until the peppers are tender and the rice is cooked.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Recipe Notes :
Use firm bell peppers so they hold their shape while cooking.
A mix of beef and pork adds richer flavor to the filling.
Do not overfill the peppers as the rice expands while cooking.
Simmer gently so the peppers cook evenly.
Serve warm with bread, yogurt, or sour cream.
