Punjena paprika

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Punjena paprika (Croatian for "stuffed peppers") is a Croatian dish consisting of paprika or peppers filled with minced meat and rice, most popular in the Zagorje region (influenced by Hungarian cuisine.) There are many variations of the dish across the Balkans.

The meat, usually ground beef, is mixed with herbs, spices and rice. Diced red onions are also an optional addition. Pepper tops are removed and peppers are washed and seeded, stuffed with the meat mixture and laid out in a large pot (tops facing up). Enough water is added to completely cover the peppers and boiled until the peppers become visibly soft on the outside and water reduces down to half. The heat is reduced and tomato paste, or even pasta sauce, can be added and mixed into the remaining water, along with a starch (commonly flour and water) which thickens the tomato sauce. This dish is typically served with mashed potatoes and salad but wide varieties exist.