Hungarian Stuffed Peppers (Töltött Paprika)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peppers

Wash the peppers thoroughly.

Cut off the tops and carefully remove the stems, seeds, and inner membranes.

Try to keep the peppers intact so they can hold the filling.

Set the peppers aside.

2. Prepare the Filling

Place the ground meat in a large bowl.

Add the uncooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, paprika, salt, pepper, marjoram, and parsley.

Mix gently until everything is evenly combined.

Avoid packing the mixture too tightly.

3. Fill the Peppers

Carefully spoon the meat and rice mixture into each pepper.

Don’t overfill them. The rice will expand as it cooks, so leave a little room inside each pepper.

If you have extra filling, shape it into small meatballs and cook them alongside the peppers.

4. Make the Tomato Sauce

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.

Remove the pot from the heat briefly and stir in the paprika.

Add the tomato passata, tomato paste, water or broth, sugar, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

5. Add the Peppers

Carefully place the stuffed peppers into the sauce.

The liquid should come about halfway to two-thirds up the peppers.

Cover the pot and simmer gently for approximately 45–55 minutes, turning the peppers carefully once or twice if necessary.

The peppers should become tender and the meat and rice should be fully cooked.

6. Thicken the Sauce

For a more traditional thick tomato sauce, heat the oil in a small saucepan.

Stir in the flour and cook briefly to make a light roux.

Gradually whisk in some of the hot tomato sauce.

Pour the mixture back into the main pot and stir gently.

Simmer for another 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens.

7. Taste and Serve

Remove the bay leaf.

Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, or sugar if necessary.

Serve the stuffed peppers generously covered with tomato sauce.

🍅 The Perfect Hungarian Side

Töltött paprika is traditionally wonderful with boiled potatoes or a simple piece of fresh bread.

The potatoes are especially good because they soak up the sweet, savory tomato sauce.

You can also serve it with: