Arbëreshë Stuffed Peppers with Rice and Meat (Speca të Mbushur)

Speca të Mbushur is a traditional Arbëreshë dish that features stuffed peppers with a flavorful mixture of rice and meat. This dish is a delicious representation of the Arbëreshë cuisine, which is influenced by Albanian and Italian flavors.

Arbëreshë Stuffed Peppers with Rice and Meat (Speca të Mbushur)

Ingredients

  • 4 large bell peppers
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1/2 lb ground meat (beef or lamb)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
  2. Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  3. Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and chopped parsley. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
  4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  5. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
  6. Stuff the peppers with the rice and meat mixture, then place them in a baking dish.
  7. Drizzle the stuffed peppers with the remaining olive oil and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  8. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the peppers are tender and slightly charred.
  9. Serve the Speca të Mbushur hot and enjoy!

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
45 minutes
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Baking dish Skillet Knife Cutting board

Tools

Oven Stove

Serving suggestions

Serve the Speca të Mbushur with a side of fresh salad and crusty bread.

Tips & tricks

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or chickpeas.

Cost

$15