Stuffed with Love: A Review of Ottolenghi’s Peppers Stuffed with Lamb (or Minced Meat) and Rice
Ottolenghi does it again, folks. His Peppers Stuffed with Lamb and Rice recipe is nothing short of a culinary masterpiece, and yes, we are officially obsessed. If you’re imagining basic stuffed peppers, let me stop you right there—this isn’t your average “throw some ground beef in a bell pepper and hope for the best” situation. Oh no. This is stuffed peppers leveled up to a symphony of flavors, textures, and downright brilliance.
First, let’s talk about the filling: tender, flavorful lamb paired with perfectly cooked rice, spiced just enough to make you close your eyes and say, “Wow.” The sweet bell peppers act as the ultimate vessel, roasting beautifully to become soft, slightly smoky, and oh-so-delicious. Each bite feels like a hug, but the kind of hug that’s also wearing a fancy blazer.
And then there’s the mint garlic yogurt topping. We could write a sonnet about this sauce alone. It’s cool, creamy, and fresh with just enough garlic to make you feel alive. Dolloping it over the warm, stuffed peppers is the culinary equivalent of putting on the perfect accessory to complete an outfit. You didn’t know it was missing, but now you can’t imagine life without it.
What we loved most about this dish—aside from how ridiculously good it tastes—is how balanced it is. The richness of the lamb, the brightness of the mint, the sweetness of the peppers—it all works together harmoniously. It’s comforting and luxurious at the same time, the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve done something truly impressive in the kitchen.
In short, if you haven’t made this recipe yet, do yourself a favour and add it to your “cook NOW” list immediately. Ottolenghi’s magic strikes again, and this one is destined to become a household favourite. Just don’t forget the yogurt topping—trust us, it’ll ring your bell. 🫑✨
✰✰✰✰✰ stars TRY because we loved it.
Yotam Ottolenghi’s Peppers Stuffed with Lamb and Rice
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking tray with lid
- Tin foil
Ingredients
Stuffed Peppers
- 6 green or yellow bell peppers
- 150 g short-grain rice
- 150 g lamb mince
- 1 large onion peeled and finely chopped
- 2 large tomatoes coarsely grated; discard the skin
- 50 g pine nuts toasted
- 40 g currants
- 1¼ tsp ground allspice
- 1 tbsp dried mint
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 60 ml olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 400 ml chicken stock
Yogurt Topping
- 300 g Greek yogurt
- 10 g fresh mint leaves finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove peeled and crushed
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 200C/390F/gas mark 6. Use a small knife to cut a 3cm-wide circle around the stem of each pepper, pull off the stems and lid in one piece and set aside, then remove and discard the seeds and pith inside.
- In a medium bowl, mix the next nine ingredients with three tablespoons of oil, a teaspoon and a half of salt and plenty of black pepper. Stuff this inside the peppers and pop on the lids. Arrange the peppers in a high-sided 17cm x 24cm oven tray, then pour over the stock and cover tightly with tin foil. Bake for 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for 30 minutes more, until the peppers are cooked through and browned on top; spoon some of the liquid over the top of the peppers a few times while they are cooking.
- In a small bowl mix the yogurt, mint, garlic, the remaining oil and an eighth of a teaspoon of salt until smooth, then set aside.
- Once the peppers are done, leave them to rest for five minutes, then serve with a spoonful of yogurt.
Notes
“This also works with smaller, light green peppers, when in season, which have much thinner skins than the year-round bells. If you use the smaller peppers, make 12, and reduce the amount of stock to 300ml. Also, bake them in a casserole rather than in a roasting tray. Simmer on the stove for 15 minutes, then transfer, uncovered, to the oven for 40 minutes. Serves six”. – Yotam Ottolenghi for the Guardian site link here
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