Punjena paprika

Punjena Paprika is a traditional dish popular in various Balkan countries, including Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia. The dish's name translates to "stuffed peppers" in English, and it is a staple in many households across the region.

Ingredients and Preparation

The main ingredient in Punjena Paprika is bell peppers, which are hollowed out and then filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, onions, and various spices. The stuffed peppers are then cooked in a tomato sauce until tender. Some variations of the dish may include other ingredients such as carrots, celery, or bacon.

Cultural Significance

Punjena Paprika is often served at family gatherings and celebrations due to its hearty nature and the ability to prepare it in large quantities. It is also a common dish during the Lent season in Orthodox Christian households, where a meatless version of the dish is prepared.

Variations

While the basic recipe for Punjena Paprika remains the same, there are many regional variations of the dish. In Hungary, the dish is known as töltött paprika and often includes paprika in the filling. In Turkey, a similar dish known as dolma is made with either bell peppers or other vegetables such as eggplant or zucchini.

See Also

• Balkan cuisine
• Serbian cuisine
• Croatian cuisine
• Bosnian cuisine
• North Macedonian cuisine