Turkish Stuffed Peppers (Biber Dolması)

 Turkish Stuffed Peppers (Biber Dolması)

Turkish Stuffed Peppers, known as Biber Dolması, are colorful bell peppers filled with a flavorful mixture of rice, onions, tomatoes, herbs, and spices. The peppers are gently cooked until tender, making this a comforting and satisfying vegetarian meal.

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Peppers

- 6 large bell peppers

- 1 cup rice

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 3 tablespoons olive oil

- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- ½ teaspoon black pepper

- ½ teaspoon cumin

- ½ teaspoon dried mint

- Salt to taste

For Cooking

- 1 cup water

- 1 tablespoon tomato paste

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- A few tomato slices

How to Make Turkish Stuffed Peppers

1. Prepare the Peppers

Wash the bell peppers and carefully cut off the tops. Remove the seeds and inner membranes without breaking the peppers.

Keep the tops aside.

2. Prepare the Filling

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste, then cook for a few minutes.

Add the washed rice, paprika, cumin, dried mint, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together.

Add the chopped parsley and mix well.

3. Fill the Peppers

Allow the filling to cool slightly.

Stuff each pepper with the rice mixture, leaving some space at the top because the rice expands as it cooks.

Place the pepper tops back on.

4. Prepare the Cooking Sauce

Mix 1 cup of water with tomato paste, olive oil, and a little salt.

Pour the sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.

Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in the dish and place a tomato slice on top of each pepper.

5. Cook the Peppers

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 40–45 minutes.

Remove the foil and cook for another 10–15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and lightly browned.

6. Serve

Let the stuffed peppers rest for a few minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

Turkish Stuffed Peppers taste delicious with:

- Plain yogurt

- Fresh salad

- Lemon wedges

- Crusty bread

- A simple cucumber and tomato salad

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Peppers

- Choose large peppers that can stand upright in the baking dish.

- Don't overfill them because the rice expands while cooking.

- Use different colored peppers for a beautiful presentation.

- Keep some moisture in the baking dish so the rice cooks properly.

- Allow the peppers to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Final Thoughts

Turkish Stuffed Peppers are a beautiful vegetarian dish packed with rice, vegetables, herbs, and warm spices. They are colorful, comforting, and perfect for serving as a main course or part of a Mediterranean-style meal.