Biber Dolması (Turkish Stuffed Peppers)

Ingredients

• 6 small green bell peppers
• 1 cup of rice
• 1 medium sized onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 200g ground preferably beef or lamb
• 2 medium tomatoes, grated
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ cups water
• Sliced tomatoes or pepper tops (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peppers:
   Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds.

2. Cook the Filling:
   • Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion until translucent.
   • Add ground meat and cook until browned.
   • Stir in rice, tomato paste, grated tomatoes, dried mint, salt, and black pepper. Cook for a few minutes.
   • Add water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is partially cooked.

3. Stuff the Peppers:
   Fill each pepper with the rice mixture, leaving some space at the top for the rice to expand.

4. Add Garnish:
   Place a slice of tomato or the reserved pepper tops over each stuffed pepper as a lid.

5. Cook the Peppers:
   • Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a pot.
   • Add water to the pot, ensuring it reaches about halfway up the peppers.
   • Cover and simmer on low heat for about 40-50 minutes, or until the rice and peppers are tender.
6. Serve:
   Serve warm, optionally with a lot of yogurt.

Afiyet olsun! (Enjoy your meal!)

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