Imagine a hearty soup that captures the essence of traditional Greek cuisine in every single spoonful - our Greek Style Stuffed Pepper Soup is exactly that magical dish! This incredible recipe transforms the classic stuffed pepper concept into a soul-warming soup that's packed with robust flavors, tender meat, and perfectly cooked rice. Whether you're craving a comforting meal on a chilly evening or looking to impress your dinner guests with an authentic Mediterranean experience, this gemista-inspired soup is about to become your new culinary obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup rice
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by washing and chopping bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or lamb and brown the meat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Add chopped onions to the meat and sauté until they become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice and vegetable broth. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add uncooked rice, chopped bell peppers, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and peppers are soft.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If soup is too thick, add additional broth to reach desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or crumbled feta cheese.
Tips
- Choose bell peppers that are firm and vibrant for the best flavor and texture.
- For an extra authentic touch, use ground lamb instead of beef for a more traditional Greek taste.
- Don't rush the browning process - letting the meat develop a nice golden crust adds depth to the soup's flavor profile.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly or let it simmer uncovered to concentrate the flavors.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or mint can elevate the final presentation and add a bright, fresh note.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your broth is certified gluten-free and use rice as directed.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 75mg
