Gemista Meal, also known as Gemista Kebabs or Stuffed Vegetables, is a popular Mediterranean dish that originated in Greece. It’s a flavorful and nutritious meal where vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes are filled with a savory mixture of rice, meat, spices, and herbs, then baked to perfection.

Recipe: How to Cook Gemista Meal

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 pound ground lamb or beef (or a combination of both)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the vegetables:

• 4 bell peppers (any color), tops removed and seeded
• 2 medium zucchinis, ends removed and sliced
• 2 medium eggplants, ends removed and sliced
• 2 large tomatoes, tops removed and cored

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Stuff each vegetable with the rice-meat mixture, dividing it evenly among the four bell peppers, two zucchinis, two eggplants, and two tomatoes.
4. Drizzle the tops of the stuffed vegetables with olive oil.
5. Place the vegetables on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them to allow for even cooking.
6. Bake the Gemista Meal for 45-50 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the filling is golden brown.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or oregano, if desired.