Peppers Stuffed with Rice

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Fry the onion in 3 tablespoons of the oil until soft. Add the rice and stir until thoroughly coated and translucent. Pour in 2 1/2 cups water and add salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir well, and cook 15 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed but the rice is still a little underdone. Stir in the pine nuts, currants, tomato, cinnamon, allspice, mint, dill or parsley, lemon juice, and the rest of the oil.

   Step 2

   To stuff the peppers, cut a circle around the stalk end and set aside to use as caps (with the stalk). Remove the cores and seeds with a spoon, and fill with the rice mixture. Replace the caps. Arrange side by side in a shallow baking dish, pour about 3/4 inch of water into the bottom, and bake at 375°F for 45–55 minutes, or until the peppers are tender. Serve cold.

2. Variation

   Step 3

   Stuff the peppers with meat filling or meat and rice filling, and serve hot.