Speca Të Mbushura Recipe – Albania's Flavorful Snack

Name: Speca Të Mbushura
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Albania
Ingredients: beef; bell peppers red green; black pepper; cloves garlic; cumin; dill; lamb; olive oil; onion; paprika; parsley; rice rinsed; salt; tomato; tomato sauce; water; yellow

Speca Të Mbushura, or stuffed peppers, is a beloved Albanian snack that showcases the rich flavors of local ingredients. Often enjoyed during family gatherings and festive occasions, this dish is a staple in Albanian cuisine, reflecting the country's agricultural heritage. The combination of tender bell peppers filled with a savory meat and rice mixture makes it a comforting choice for any meal.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~320 kcal / serving

Ingredients

6 large bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
1 lb ground beef or lamb
1 cup rice, rinsed and drained
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large tomato, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Salt to taste
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup water

Instructions

Prepare the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set the peppers aside and chop the tops (without stems) to add to the filling mixture.

Prepare the Filling

In a large skillet, heat half of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and translucent.

Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned. Stir in the chopped tomato, chopped pepper tops, rinsed rice, ground cumin, ground paprika, ground black pepper, and salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley and dill. Mix well.

Stuff the Peppers

Fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.

Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, mix the tomato sauce, water, and remaining olive oil. Pour the sauce over the stuffed peppers in the baking dish.

Bake the Peppers

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.

Serve

Allow the stuffed peppers to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Speca Të Mbushura?

Speca Të Mbushura are stuffed bell peppers filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and herbs, baked until tender.

Where does Speca Të Mbushura come from?

Speca Të Mbushura originates from Albania, where it is a popular dish enjoyed in various regions.

What are the main ingredients in Speca Të Mbushura?

The key ingredients include large bell peppers, ground beef or lamb, rice, onion, garlic, tomato, parsley, and dill.

How long does Speca Të Mbushura take to make?

It takes approximately 95-115 minutes to prepare and cook Speca Të Mbushura.

What do you serve with Speca Të Mbushura?

Speca Të Mbushura pairs well with a fresh salad or crusty bread, and a side of yogurt for dipping.

Speca Të Mbushura