Authentic Greek Piperiá: A Spicy Pepper Dish for Your Next Family Dinner

Ingredients

1 cup of long grain white rice
1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 red bell peppers, finely chopped
1 cup of tomato puree
1 teaspoon of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
2 cups of vegetable broth
1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped

Steps and instructions

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan and cook until they become soft and fragrant.
Add the chopped red bell peppers to the pan and cook until they are soft.
Stir in the tomato puree, sugar, chili flakes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Add the rinsed rice to the pan and mix well to ensure all the grains are coated with the tomato mixture.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the broth.
Remove the pan from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Tools for making

Large pan - A pan large enough to cook the rice and other ingredients.
Cutting board - A flat surface for chopping the onion, garlic, and bell peppers.
Knife - A sharp knife for finely chopping the onion, garlic, and bell peppers.
Measuring cups - To accurately measure the amount of rice, olive oil, and vegetable broth.
Measuring spoons - To measure out the precise amount of sugar, chili flakes, dried oregano, etc.
Spatula - To stir and mix the ingredients in the pan.
Lid - A lid to cover the pan while the rice simmers.
Fork - To fluff the rice once it is cooked.
Grater - To crumble the feta cheese over the cooked rice.
Chopping knife - A knife for chopping the fresh parsley.

Recipe variations

For a vegetarian variation, you can add diced vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms to the dish.
For a meaty twist, you can incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage into the dish.
To make it gluten-free, you can substitute the white rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa.
For a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of chili flakes or add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
To add a smoky flavor, you can include a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
For a Mediterranean twist, you can add Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the dish.
If you prefer a different type of rice, you can use brown rice or jasmine rice instead of long grain white rice.
For a creamier texture, you can stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream before serving.
To make it more aromatic, you can add a teaspoon of ground cumin or coriander.
For a vegan option, you can omit the feta cheese and substitute vegetable broth for the vegetable-based alternative.

Recipe overview

Welcome to this recipe for Piperiá, a savory and satisfying rice dish hailing from the heart of Greece. Piperiá is a delightful combination of long grain white rice simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce with red bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a blend of seasonings. It's then topped with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavor.

In this recipe, you'll learn how to bring these ingredients together to create a hearty dish that works as a main course or a versatile side dish. The process is relatively simple, and the end result is a richly flavored and gratifying meal. Expect a dish that's both comforting and delicious with a hint of Mediterranean flair. Enjoy the journey of cooking Piperiá!

Common questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, you can substitute white rice with brown rice. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may be longer for brown rice.
Can I use a different type of oil? Yes, you can use a different type of oil. However, extra virgin olive oil adds a distinct flavor to the dish.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato puree? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato puree. Simply blanch, peel, and finely chop the tomatoes before adding them to the dish.
Can I omit the chili flakes? Yes, you can omit the chili flakes if you prefer a milder flavor. Alternatively, you can adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth? Yes, you can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth if you prefer. It may alter the taste slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can I add other vegetables or protein to this dish? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms, or protein sources like cooked chicken or shrimp.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the Piperiá ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in a pan or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze Piperiá? While the texture of the rice may change slightly, you can freeze Piperiá for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pan - A large pan with a lid is necessary for cooking the rice and vegetables.
Fork - A fork is essential for fluffing the cooked rice and mixing in the feta cheese.
Chopping board - A chopping board is needed for chopping the onion and red bell peppers.
Knife - A knife is necessary for finely chopping the onion and red bell peppers.
Measuring cups - Measuring cups are required to accurately measure the rice, olive oil, and vegetable broth.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to measure the sugar, chili flakes, dried oregano, and salt.
Spatula - A spatula is helpful for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pan.
Grater - A grater can be used to grate the feta cheese, if not already crumbled.
Serving dish - A serving dish or bowl is useful for presenting the Piperiá.

Origin stories

Piperiá is a vibrant, hearty dish hailing from the sun-drenched landscapes of Greece. With its rich blend of aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and the characteristic use of olive oil, Piperiá reflects the Mediterranean's bounty and its people's culinary ingenuity. There's a certain rustic charm to this Greek peasant dish, often prepared with whatever vegetables were seasonally available and served as a main course in homes where meat was considered a luxury. It's said that the secret to a truly authentic Piperiá lies in the quality of the olive oil used — the fruitier, the better. So, in true Greek style, ensure you're using the best olive oil you can lay your hands on to experience this dish in all its glory.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.