Gemista (Greek Stuffed Bell Peppers & Tomatoes) - Food Cravings Network

ground meat

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: lentils

Quinoa provides protein while being lower in fat.

feta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: ricotta

Cottage cheese is lower in calories and still creamy.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil offers a similar flavor with a higher smoke point.

rice

🥗Healthier: cauliflower rice

💰Cheaper: barley

Cauliflower rice reduces carbs while adding fiber.

Cut the tops off and core all of the vegetables. Reserve the extra tomato cores and blend until well combined to make 3-4 cups of tomato puree.

Cut onions, garlic, potatoes, and herbs into small pieces and reserve.

In a saute pan, heat olive oil. Fry onions and garlic for 3-4 minutes or until soft and translucent before adding in all spices. Continue to fry the onion and garlic with the spices for about 2-3 minutes.

Add the ground beef and separate the meat using a spatula while frying. Once the meat is cooked through and slightly caramelized, add 2/3 of the tomato puree along with the rice. Cook for 10 minutes or until the rice is slightly cooked and the mixture is not runny.

Take the mixture off of the heat and add the herbs to the mix. Fill all of your vegetables to the top and cover using the tops of the vegetables.

Season the remaining tomato puree with salt, pepper, and oregano. Add 1/4 cup of water to this to help the potatoes. Pour this mixture evenly over the potatoes.

Pour the olive oil evenly over the potatoes and vegetables.

Cover with foil paper and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 35 minutes. Uncover and continue to bake for another 35 minutes.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens