Middle Eastern Stuffed Vegetables

Ingredients

• 4peppers or tomatoes
• 150 grice
• 1onion
• 80 mlolive oil
• herbs — chopped
• to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

1. Start by preparing the vegetables. If using peppers, cut off the tops and remove the seeds and membranes inside. If using tomatoes, slice off the tops and gently scoop out the pulp with a spoon, being careful not to pierce the sides. Set the prepared vegetables aside on a tray, ready for stuffing.
2. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps prevent clumping. Finely chop the onion and any herbs you are using, such as parsley or mint. In a large bowl, combine the rice, chopped onion, and herbs, then season with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything together thoroughly to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
3. Heat 50 ml of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the rice mixture to the pan. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the oil and the onions to become translucent. This step builds a rich base of flavor for the stuffing.
4. Remove the rice mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly. Carefully stuff each prepared vegetable with the rice mixture, filling them almost to the top but leaving a little room for the rice to expand as it cooks. Place the stuffed vegetables upright in a deep baking dish, snugly but not tightly packed.
5. Drizzle the remaining 30 ml of olive oil over the stuffed vegetables. Add a splash of water to the bottom of the baking dish to create steam, which helps cook the rice evenly. Cover the dish with foil to trap the steam, and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) until the vegetables are tender and the rice is fully cooked, about 45 minutes. The vegetables should be soft to the touch, and the rice should be fluffy and aromatic.
6. Once cooked, remove the foil and let the dish rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Finish with a final sprinkle of salt to taste, enhancing the natural sweetness of the vegetables. Serve the stuffed vegetables warm, inviting everyone to share and enjoy the comforting flavors of this Middle Eastern classic.