VEGETARIAN FILFIL MAHSHI

Vegetarian Filfil Mahshi is a Middle Eastern dish of bell peppers stuffed with a fragrant mix of rice, herbs, and spices—often including tomatoes, onions, parsley, and warm seasonings—then gently simmered in a tangy tomato sauce until tender and flavorful.

Vegetarian Filfil Mahshi – Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

For the stuffing:

• 300 g rice (washed)

• 200 g mushrooms, finely chopped

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp dried mint

• 1 tbsp dried parsley

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)

• 10 mini peppers

• 1 tbsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• Tomato slices (for topping)

For the cooking sauce:

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)

• 3 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 800 ml water

Instructions

Cut off the tops and remove seeds from all peppers. Rinse and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the washed rice, chopped mushrooms, onion, dried mint, dried parsley, lemon juice, tomato paste, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and oil.

Mix until well combined.

Fill each pepper about ¾ full (rice will expand during cooking).

Place a tomato slice on top of each stuffed pepper.

Place stuffed peppers upright in a large, deep pan or pot.

In a separate bowl, whisk together water, lemon juice, tomato paste, oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Pour the sauce over the peppers until nearly covered.

Place a heatproof plate on top of the peppers to keep them upright during cooking.

Cover the pot, bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the rice is cooked through.

Serve warm with fresh salad or yogurt on the side.