Speca të Mbushura me Oriz (Albanian Herb-Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers) – Authentic Albania Recipe
Sun-ripened Albanian peppers stuffed with herb-scented tomato rice and baked until tender and sweet.
- Country of Origin
- 🇦🇱 Albania (Southern Europe, Europe)
- Dietary Profile
- vegan
- Prep Time
- 20 min
- Cook Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Signature Staples
- Sweet bell peppers, Short-grain rice, Grated ripe tomatoes and caramelized onions, Fresh dill, Flat-leaf parsley
Ingredients for Speca të Mbushura me Oriz (Albanian Herb-Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) sweet bell peppers, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups short-grain rice, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup grated ripe tomatoes and caramelized onions
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with fresh dill
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Albania seasoning (flat-leaf parsley, dried mint, olive oil)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C) and lightly oil an ovenproof skillet or baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, garlic, fresh dill, and flat-leaf parsley, dried mint, olive oil for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine sweet bell peppers and short-grain rice with the sautéed aromatics and layer evenly into the baking dish.
- Top with grated ripe tomatoes and caramelized onions and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving warm at the table.