Stuffed Peppers and Tomatoes (Domates, Biber Dolmasi)

STUFFED PEPPERS AND TOMATOES (DOMATES, BIBER DOLMASI)

Ingredients:

Main ingredients:

6 small cubanelle peppers
2 large tomatoes
1 Tbsp. crushed tomato, in a can
3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 cups water

Filling:

1/2 pound medium ground beef
1/4 cup rice, washed
4 fresh onions, chopped
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp water
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Cut off the tops of the peppers and tomatoes using a small knife, but dont throw them away as you will put them back on after you put in the filling. Clean out the seeds inside the peppers, then spoon out the inside of the tomatoes, this will be added to the filling.

Mix all the filling ingredients (including the inside of the tomatoes) with a tablespoon. Stuff the peppers and the tomatoes with a teaspoon, but dont overdo it. Leave some room at the top. While filling the peppers, dont push the filling in, instead tap the peppers vertically on the counter, then cover the peppers and tomatoes with the tops you cut off earlier.

Place the peppers sideways on the bottom of a large pot. Then put the tomatoes on top. This is because the tomatoes cook faster and thus will fall apart if not placed this way. Now, pour the rest of the main ingredients over (water, crushed tomato and olive oil). Cook on medium-high for about 30 minutes with the lid half covered.

Serve immediately.

Recipe from Binnurs Turkish Cookbook.