Can the Greeks Cook?

One of my favorite excerpts from the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" was between Toula's boyfriend, Ian, and her mother, Maria:

Maria Portokalos:  Ian, are you hungry?
Ian Miller:  Uh no, I already ate.
Maria Portokalos:  Okay, I make you something.

It's so Greek - I love it.  It reminds me of my own Yaya (Greek for grandmother) who was always trying to feed you.  Today, I'm sharing one of her recipes - Stuffed Peppers.  Her name was Eleftheria (Liberty) and she was born in Athens, Greece.



 

 

She met her husband, Christos (Chris), who was much older than she was and ran away with him to get married - against her family's wishes, of course.  Papou (Greek for grandfather) was from the Island of Crete.
 





 


 







One of the businesses they owned together was a bakery - more about that another time - but Yaya was a wonderful cook and baker.  I hope you enjoy this old family recipe for Stuffed Peppers.  It's one of my fall-time favorites when the peppers and tomatoes are picked fresh from the garden. 

 

 

1-1/2 lbs. ground hamburger

3/4 C uncooked rice

1/2 C chopped onion

2 T melted butter

1 T vegetable oil

3 T fresh mint leaves (chopped fine) (or dried)

1 C canned tomatoes or 1/2 C tomato sauce

1 T salt

1 tsp. pepper

(makes approximately 8-10 peppers depending on size)

 

 





I use this mixture for stuffing peppers, tomatoes, cabbage and grapevine leaves. Today, it's beautiful green peppers from the garden.  Cut the tops off of your peppers; remove seeds and membranes; rinse well.  Leave them to dry while you prepare your meat mixture. 

 



 

Place all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix together my Yaya's way...with your hands, if you desire.  Stuff the clean peppers with beef mixture.  Place them upright in a baking dish; replace the tops of the peppers.  Dissolve 1 beef bullion in 1 C boiling water; add to the baking dish; cover tight with tin foil.



 

Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour until rice is tender.  It's very easy.  Optional toppings:  Plain Greek yogurt; my kids like Soy Sauce

Hope you'll try them.  Have a great day...it's one to remember.