This happened a few years ago when I just moved to Chicago. I didn’t know back then that there is a Lebanese restaurant here. As a middle eastern food fan, I decided to give it a try. So this is how I received the Lebanese stuffed peppers recipe.
On that typical Friday night in Chicago, I thought it would be nice for me to go out for a delicious meal as a treat. As I walked down the bustling street, trying to decide where to go, the aroma of grilled meat and spices caught my attention.
I stopped at a restaurant that had a sign saying “Middle Eastern Cuisine” on it, and its unmistakable scent reached my nose. The restaurant was fairly small in size but it had that promise of good flavors inside. Boldly, I ventured into the restaurant and its elderly Middle Eastern owner welcomed me with great hospitality. The man had an amicable grin and a distinct accent which put a smile on my face.
The menu had a particularly appealing dish called “Lebanese Stuffed Peppers” and I couldn’t help but be curious. As I anticipated the arrival of my meal, I took a seat at the window and gazed outwards into the vibrant cityscape. The tantalizing aroma of what was to come filled my senses with anticipation as I watched all of the bustling activity taking place in front of me. Upon hearing about the delicious dish that the owner recommended, my mouth watered. As a result, I decided to give it a try without further hesitation.
Just as my meal reached the table, there was a thunderous crash heard outside, causing me to turn and look. To my surprise, it was a car that had forcibly collided with a lamppost right outside the restaurant. My heart sped up at the sight of it all, but I felt a huge relief knowing that I was inside and out of harm’s way.
No matter the commotion taking place beyond the walls, the dish of Lebanese stuffed peppers that the owner presented before me seduced me with its enticing aroma and beautiful presentation. The chef cooked the peppers perfectly, the exterior lightly charred, and the inside tender and succulent. The filling was a delectable combination of fluffy white rice and finely ground meat. In addition to a medley of aromatic spices which created an exquisite balance of textures and flavors. I relished every single bite, savoring the delightful harmony that these ingredients produced.
I had just finished my delicious meal when the owner approached me. He wanted to know whether I had enjoyed the dish or not. After I expressed my admiration for the dish, I hesitantly asked him if he would be kind enough to share the recipe with me. Initially, he was reluctant due to his personal nature. However, I managed to convince him to oblige after some gentle persuasion.
I was absolutely ecstatic when the chef kindly provided me with a recipe written out on a small scrap of paper. My heartfelt gratitude towards him knew no bounds as he shared his valuable dish with me. Beaming with excitement, I thanked him and assured him that I’d turn his recipe into a successful creation at home.
To make this Middle Eastern stuffed pepper dish, you’ll need large bell peppers, long-grain rice, ground meat (beef, lamb, or a combination), onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, salt, black pepper, chicken broth, water, tomato sauce, and olive oil.
Lebanese cuisine usually serves this dish as a main course staple. However, a variety of sides can complement Lebanese stuffed peppers to make it a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some suggestions for what to serve with it:
Tabbouleh Salad: Lebanese make Tabbouleh salad with parsley, tomatoes, onions, bulgur wheat, and lemon juice. It is a refreshing and healthy side dish that pairs well with stuffed peppers.
Hummus and Pita Bread: Hummus is a creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. It is a popular side dish in Lebanese cuisine and is traditionally served with warm pita bread.
Baba Ganoush: Baba ganoush is a roasted eggplant dip that is similar to hummus but has a smoky flavor. It is a great complement to the sweetness of the peppers.
Fattoush Salad: Fattoush is another Lebanese salad that combines fresh vegetables with crispy pita chips and a tangy dressing. It is a great way to add some crunch to your meal.
Lentil Soup: Lentil soup is a hearty and nutritious soup that is a staple in Lebanese cuisine. It is a great option for a side dish if you want to add some protein to your meal.
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms, are a great way to add some variety to your meal. They can be seasoned with the same herbs and spices as the stuffed peppers for a cohesive flavor profile.
Yogurt Sauce: Yogurt sauce is a creamy and tangy sauce made from yogurt, garlic, and herbs. It is a great way to add some moisture to your meal and pairs well with the flavors of the stuffed peppers.
Here is the recipe for the delicious Lebanese stuffed peppers that I enjoyed in Chicago:
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, lamb, or a combination)
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
How to make Lebanese stuffed peppers?
- Preheat your oven to a warm 350°F to begin cooking.
- Start by cutting off the tops of the bell peppers and then removing the seeds and membrane interior to complete preparing them for use.
- In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth, water, and tomato sauce to a boil. Lower the temperature and add some rice; let it simmer until it’s cooked through (18-20 minutes).
- In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the ground meat. Cook it, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it becomes brown.
- In the pan, add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add the cumin, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Cook for a further few minutes to ensure all of the spices reach their full flavor potential.
- Mix the cooked rice into the ground meat mixture, stirring it until it is fully incorporated.
- Stuff the bell peppers with the rice and meat mixture. Place these peppers in a baking dish and surrounding them, spoon any additional stuffing mixture.
- Bake the peppers in the oven for 30-35 minutes and they’ll be tender and have a deliciously hot filling – heated through!
I hope you enjoy this delicious recipe as much as I did. Every time I make the Lebanese Stuffed Peppers, I’m reminded of that chaotic evening in Chicago when I discovered this amazing dish. The combination of flavors and textures is truly unique and satisfying, and it’s a recipe that I love to share with friends and family. So the next time you’re in the mood for something a little different, give this recipe a try – I think you’ll be glad you did!
