Greek Stuffed Tomatoes and Peppers (Yemista)

Ingredients and Weight:

• 8 ripe tomatoes
• 4 bell peppers (capsicum)
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or pork
• 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped green olives
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the top off the tomatoes and bell peppers, removing most of the seeds and ribs. Reserve the tops for later use.
3. In a bowl, mix the ground beef, chopped parsley, olives, oregano, cinnamon, salt and pepper.
4. Fill the tomatoes and bell peppers with the meat mixture. Replace the tops and secure them with toothpicks or skewers.
5. Drizzle the stuffed vegetables with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.
6. Bake for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Nutritional Information: (per serving)

• Calories: 250-300 (depending on meat content and serving size)
• Protein: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
• Fat: 12-18g (including saturated fat)
• Fiber: 4-6g

Dish Characteristics:

• A Greek-inspired dish with a combination of sweet and savory flavors.
• The meat filling is a perfect blend of spices and herbs, giving it a unique flavor profile.
• The vegetables provide a crisp texture that contrasts with the tender meat filling.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was a hit at my dinner party! The combination of flavors was outstanding."
2. "I love the combination of cinnamon and oregano in the meat filling. It gives it a unique taste."
3. "I served this dish as a side with lamb chops and it was a perfect match."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh ingredients for best results. If not available, frozen vegetables can be used but may not have the same flavor or texture as fresh ones.
• Adjust the seasoning according to personal preference. Add more salt or pepper if needed.
• Be careful not to overcook the tomatoes and peppers, as they can become too soft and lose their crisp texture.