Authentic Romanian Stuffed Peppers (Ardei Umpluți) Recipe
Traditional Romanian Stuffed Peppers (Ardei Umpluți) – tender Hungarian sweet peppers stuffed with a flavorful mix of ground pork, rice, and herbs, then slow-cooked in a creamy tomato sauce. A comforting, delicious, and authentic Romanian dish!
Ingredients
For the Peppers:
- 6 medium Hungarian yellow sweet peppers (or yellow bell peppers)
- 1 lb ground pork (fattier cuts preferred for juicier peppers)
- ½ cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 cups tomato purée (or passata)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups water
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange an oven rack in the middle position.
Prepare the Peppers
- Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Trim a small flat piece off the bottom if needed so they stand upright.
Make the Stuffing
- In a large bowl, mix ground pork, rice, onion, egg, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until well combined.
- Stuff each pepper with the mixture, pressing down gently but not overpacking.
Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together tomato purée, sour cream, water, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce into a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven.
- Place the stuffed peppers upright in the sauce.
Bake the Peppers
- Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 hours.
- Remove the lid and continue baking uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the peppers are soft and the rice is fully cooked.
- The dish is ready when a fork easily pierces through the peppers and filling.
Notes
Nothing says home-cooked comfort like a steaming plate of Romanian Stuffed Peppers (Ardei Umpluți)! These sweet yellow Hungarian peppers are packed with a juicy mixture of ground pork, rice, fresh herbs, and slow-cooked in a creamy tomato sauce. Whether you've grown up eating them or are discovering this classic Romanian dish for the first time, you’re in for a treat!
Why You'll Love This Recipe 💕
- Traditional & Authentic – A beloved Romanian dish passed down through generations.
- Rich & Comforting – The combination of tender peppers, juicy pork, and creamy tomato sauce is irresistible.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Meal Prep & Freezer-Friendly – Great for making in advance and storing for later.
- Versatile Cooking Options – Can be made in the oven, slow cooker, or pressure cooker.
How to Serve Romanian Stuffed Peppers 🍔
Romanian Ardei Umpluți pair wonderfully with:- A dollop of sour cream (traditional and delicious!)
- Crusty bread (perfect for dipping into the sauce)
- Mashed potatoes (for extra comfort)
- Fluffy white rice (to soak up all that delicious sauce!)
Expert Tips & Tricks 🔮
- Use fatty pork for juicy peppers – lean meat can make them dry.
- If you don’t have tomato purée, mix 3-4 tbsp of tomato paste with enough water to thin it out.
- For an extra tangy flavor, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to the sauce.
- Leftovers taste even better! Store them in the fridge overnight for deeper flavors.
Storage & Freezing ❄️
Fridge
- Store in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
- Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Freezer
- Ensure the peppers are completely cooled before freezing.
- Wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag.
- Freeze for up to 6-8 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.
FAQs ❓
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! While pork is the traditional choice, you can also use ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Just note that pork gives the juiciest results.What if I can't find Hungarian peppers?
You can substitute yellow bell peppers or even red bell peppers.How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of water or let the sauce simmer longer.Final Thoughts 😋
Romanian Stuffed Peppers (Ardei Umpluți) are a classic, comforting, and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor. Whether you bake, slow cook, or pressure cook them, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at your table! Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below! 👇 More Romanian recipes