Step 1

In a medium heavy pot, heat 1 tbsp of extra virgin oil. Saute the chopped onions until golden. Now add the meat and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until deeply browned. Season with salt, pepper, allspice, minced garlic (or garlic powder). Stir in the chickpeas and cook briefly.

Step 2

To the same pot, now add the parsley, rice (which had been soaked in water and drained), paprika, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine. Add the water and bring to a high simmer until the liquid has reduced by half. Then turn the heat to low, cover and cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and no longer hard nor too chewy. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, heat a grill or indoor griddle or skillet over medium-high. Grill the bell peppers for 10-15 minutes, covered, and turning over as needed so that the peppers will soften and gain some color. Remove from heat and set aside to cool briefly.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 5

Assemble the bell peppers open-side up in a baking dish filled with 3/4 cup broth or water. Fill each of the bell peppers with the the cooked stuffing mixture of meat, rice and chickpeas.

Step 6

Cover the baking dish with foil (making sure the foil does not touch the stuffed peppers) and place the dish on the middle rack of your heated oven.  Bake for 20-30 minutes.

Step 7

Remove from the oven and garnish with parsley, if you like, and serve.

Step 8

To serve stuffed peppers as a main dish Greek-style, add Tztaziki sauce and Greek salad for sides.