Turkish Stuffed Peppers with Rice & Herbs (Biber Dolması)

Turkish stuffed peppers (Biber Dolması) are a beloved dish in Turkish cuisine, traditionally filled with rice, herbs, and a delicious blend of spices. This version features tender bell peppers stuffed with a flavorful rice mixture, making it a satisfying and healthy meal that can be served as a main course or a side dish. Perfect for any occasion, these stuffed peppers are aromatic, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

What You’ll Need:

• 6-8 medium bell peppers (any color)

• 1 cup rice (short-grain or long-grain)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)

• 1/4 cup currants or raisins (optional)

• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (optional)

• Salt, to taste

• 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If necessary, trim the bottom slightly to create a flat base so they stand upright. Set the peppers aside.

Why it works: Preparing the peppers properly ensures that they hold their shape while cooking, allowing the rice mixture to stay inside.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Filling

In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes to release the spices’ aromas.

Why it works: Sautéing the onions and spices first helps develop a deep, rich flavor base that will infuse the rice with flavor.

Step 3: Add Rice and Cook

Add the rice to the pan and stir to combine it with the onion mixture. Add 1 cup of water and cook for 5-7 minutes, letting the rice absorb the liquid. Once the rice has absorbed most of the liquid, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Why it works: Pre-cooking the rice ensures that it absorbs the spices and tomato paste, giving it a rich, aromatic flavor that will complement the peppers.

Step 4: Add the Herbs and Extras

Stir in the fresh parsley, dill (if using), pine nuts, and currants (optional). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly.

Why it works: Fresh herbs and optional extras like pine nuts and currants add depth and sweetness to the filling, giving the dish a more complex flavor profile.

Step 5: Stuff the Peppers

Stuff each pepper with the rice mixture, packing it in tightly but not overly compacted. Leave a small space at the top to prevent overflow. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, standing upright.

Why it works: Packing the rice mixture tightly ensures the filling stays inside during cooking, resulting in neat, secure stuffed peppers.

Step 6: Bake the Stuffed Peppers

Drizzle a little olive oil over the stuffed peppers, and pour vegetable broth (or water) into the bottom of the baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the rice is cooked through.

Why it works: The olive oil adds flavor and moisture, while the broth steams the peppers, cooking the rice and infusing it with all the delicious flavors.

Step 7: Serve

Once the peppers are tender, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty contrast.

Why it works: Lemon wedges add a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the stuffed peppers and enhances the flavors.

A Flavorful Turkish Classic

These Turkish stuffed peppers with rice and herbs (Biber Dolması) are a delicious and aromatic dish that will impress your guests or satisfy your family. The combination of spiced rice, fresh herbs, and tender bell peppers makes this a flavorful and healthy meal.