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Punjene Paprike

Punjene paprike are bell peppers stuffed with a seasoned mix of ground meat and rice, then simmered gently in tomato sauce until meltingly tender.

⏱ 30 minPrep time
🔥 50 minCook time
🍽 6Servings
🏷 Balkan KitchenCategory
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Punjene paprike are bell peppers stuffed with a seasoned mix of ground meat and rice, then simmered gently in tomato sauce until meltingly tender. The peppers soften into sweet, smoky pockets of flavor.

This dish is a Balkan summer classic, served hot with a dollop of yogurt and crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Home cooks guard their family versions closely.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Cut the tops off the peppers, remove the seeds, and set aside.
  2. Cook the beef with the onion and garlic until browned; stir in the rice, salt, pepper, paprika, parsley, and 1/2 cup of water.
  3. Simmer 5 minutes, cool slightly, and bind with the egg.
  4. Stuff the peppers three-quarters full and stand them in a deep pot.
  5. Pour the tomato sauce and 1 cup of water around them, cover, and simmer gently for 50 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
  6. Rest 10 minutes and serve with yogurt.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Choose peppers that are squat and wide so they stand steadily in the pot. Leftover filling can be rolled into meatballs and simmered alongside.

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Recipe details

Prep30 min
Cook50 min
Servings6
CategoryBalkan Kitchen
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →