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GREEK GEMISTA: STUFFED TOMATOES AND PEPPERS WITH BEEF AND RICE

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GREEK GEMISTA: STUFFED TOMATOES AND PEPPERS WITH BEEF AND RICE

GREEK GEMISTA: STUFFED TOMATOES AND PEPPERS WITH BEEF AND RICE

Celebrate autumn with this vibrant and hearty Greek classic—Gemista. Featuring tomatoes and green bell peppers stuffed with a flavorful mix of ground beef and long-grain rice, cooked gently in a rich Greek-style tomato sauce. Part of the traditional Lathera family of olive oil-based dishes, this recipe is perfect for a comforting family meal.

🕒 Prep & Cook Time: 1 hour 20 min

🍽️ Servings: 5

Ingredients

Vegetables:

  • 5 medium tomatoes
  • 5 green bell peppers (similar size to tomatoes)
  • 4-5 potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes or long slices

Sauce:

  • 200 ml Greek-style tomato sauce
  • 250 ml water
  • 50 ml olive oil

Filling:

  • 400 g ground beef
  • 150 g long-grain rice
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small carrot, grated
  • 1/2 bunch parsley, finely chopped
  • 4 dill sprigs, chopped
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).
  2. Cut a “lid” off the tomatoes and scoop out the pulp. Blend the pulp in a food processor until smooth.
  3. Cut a “lid” off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
  4. Heat olive oil in a pan for the filling. Sauté onion and grated carrot until the onion is very soft.
  5. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink.
  6. Stir in rice and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  7. Add tomato pulp, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring to a boil. Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
  8. Place tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes in a baking dish large enough to hold them comfortably.
  9. Stuff tomatoes and peppers with the meat and rice filling, leaving about 5 mm of space at the top to allow for expansion. Pour any remaining filling liquid evenly over the vegetables. Replace the lids on the tomatoes and peppers to keep moisture inside.
  10. Distribute potatoes evenly among the stuffed vegetables.
  11. Pour tomato sauce, water, and olive oil over the vegetables and potatoes. Sprinkle salt over everything.
  12. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, checking that the rice and potatoes are cooked through before removing from the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot as a wholesome main course with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.

💡 Tips

  • Leaving space in the vegetables when stuffing allows the rice to expand without bursting the skins.
  • Evenly distribute liquid to keep the filling moist during baking.
  • Using fresh herbs adds a bright flavor typical of Greek cuisine.

📝 Final Thoughts

Gemista is a timeless Greek comfort dish that showcases the harmony of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and savory meat. Its simple preparation and rich flavors make it an ideal centerpiece for cozy family dinners, celebrating the bounty of autumn.