Croatian Stuffed Peppers Recipe (Punjene Paprike)

Step 1

Take 8-10 medium-sized peppers, and carefully cut out the top and set aside the as you'll use this as a lid for the pepper later. Scoop out the insides and be sure to remove all of the seeds and any stringy pieces. Wash the lids and peppers and allow them to dry upside down on paper towel while you make the stuffing

Step 2

To make the stuffing, add all the ingredients to a large bowl and use your hands to lightly mix until combined. Make sure the bowl is big enough for you to be able to use your hands to mix it well without spilling it all over the floor (trust me, it happens)

Step 3

Flip the peppers over and fill them with the stuffing until they are almost full. But do not overfill them. The rice expands during cooking and they'll burst leaving you a hideous mess in your saucepan. Leave the lids off for the moment

Step 4

Arrange the stuffed peppers in the saucepan. It's better if they are gently packed in so they don't flip over & don't squeeze them in so tight, as they'll bust open when they expand. This may take you several minutes to do, but trust me it is well worth it at the end when your peppers are not split open

Step 5

Add in 2 bay leaves and a stick of celery. No need to chop this, as it's just for flavour. Set aside, while you make the sauce

Step 6

In a separate saucepan on medium heat add 4 tablespoons of olive oil and fry 1 finely diced medium onion

Step 7

Once onions are transparent, add in 2 tablespoons of flour and fry until light brown. Add into the pan 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 litres of homemade stock (or water) along with a Pinch of Vegeta and add salt & pepper to your taste

Step 8

Stir continuously, until the sauce comes to the boil. Turn off and slowly pour over your peppers. Be sure to pour the sauce over each pepper as well as around each one. The sauce should cover the peppers. If it doesn't, and this can happen, just add in a little more stock or water. If you are adding in smoked bones, pop them in now

Step 9

Place the top of the pepper back on, it acts like a mini lid. If you didn't keep it, it's okay, nothing bad will happen

Step 10

Shake the saucepan just a little, you want to be sure that the sauce is evenly spread. Bring to the boil, and then turn down to a gentle simmer. Cook for approx 2 hours, occasionally shaking the saucepan. This is important to keep the sauce evenly spread and to stop the peppers from sticking & burning. Add in more water as they cook if you need

Step 11

Once ready, allow them to cool a little. They'll taste better if you can resist the temptation. Serve with mashed potato or rice - and if you don't manage to eat them all in one sitting, you can keep these in the refrigerator for a few days. I can't say how many days, as they never last that long in my house