Punjene Paprike (Stuffed Peppers)

This recipe was taught to me by Ivana and her mom. It is a classic Slavonian recipe with clear Hungarian influence.

Punjene Paprike (Stuffed Peppers)

core and seed 10 peppers, lightly salt inside

In pan, saute one diced onion
When onion is translucent, add
5-6 large spoons rice, rinsed but not cooked
1/2 kilo minced meat--pork, beef, or a combination
(you can add a small amount of smoked meat, minced, to add flavor if desired)

cook until meat is 1/2 browned, then take it off the heat

add salt, pepper, 2 small spoons sweet paprika, 2 large spoons chopped fresh parsley, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 beaten egg, 1 spoon Vegeta*
mix thoroughly

Stuff peppers with meat mixture and place in a large soup pot, with the top of the pepper facing up (see picture)

combine 250 g tomato sauce, salt, water, pepper, vegeta
pour over the peppers. It should be enough to cover them

Bring to a boil then turn down the heat. Simmer 1 hr.

Serve with mashed potatoes

Recipe courtesy of Mrs. Jagoda Plačko

*Vegeta is a very common Croatian spice mix. It is in EVERYTHING. It has MSG in it, though, so I wouldn't recommend it as a new spice mix. Mrs. Dash or another salt substitute should probably work well as a subsitute