Indulge in the flavors of Kosovo with Mish i Ngopur, a traditional dish featuring succulent meat stuffed with a delightful mix of vegetables. This recipe encapsulates the rich culinary heritage of Kosovo, combining savory minced meat with vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices. Learn how to create this comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Dive into the heartwarming tastes of Kosovo with Mish i Ngopur!

Ingredients:

For the Meat Mixture:

- 500g minced beef or lamb

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- Salt and pepper, to taste

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano

For the Vegetable Filling:

- 1 red bell pepper, diced

- 1 green bell pepper, diced

- 1 medium carrot, grated

- 1 small zucchini, grated

- 2 tomatoes, diced

- Salt and pepper, to taste

- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

For Assembly and Cooking:

- Large cabbage leaves (blanched and softened)

- 1 cup tomato passata or crushed tomatoes

- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1- Prepare the Meat Mixture:

  - In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme or oregano. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.

2- Prepare the Vegetable Filling:

  - In another bowl, mix together the diced bell peppers, grated carrot, grated zucchini, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Set aside.

3- Assemble the Stuffed Mish i Ngopur:

  - Take a blanched cabbage leaf and place a portion of the meat mixture in the center.

  - Add a spoonful of the vegetable filling on top of the meat.

  - Fold the sides of the cabbage leaf over the filling and roll it up to enclose the filling completely. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and vegetables.

4- Cook the Mish i Ngopur:

  - In a large pot or Dutch oven, drizzle olive oil over the bottom.

  - Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls in the pot, seam side down.

  - Pour the tomato passata or crushed tomatoes over the rolls.

  - Add the beef or vegetable broth to the pot, ensuring that the rolls are partially submerged in liquid.

  - Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low.

  - Cover the pot and cook the Mish i Ngopur for about 45-60 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.

5- Serve:

  - Once cooked, remove the Mish i Ngopur from the pot and place on a serving platter.

  - Spoon some of the cooking liquid and tomato sauce over the rolls.

  - Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

  - Serve hot and enjoy with crusty bread or boiled potatoes.

This hearty Kosovo Mish i Ngopur dish is perfect for a comforting meal, showcasing the delicious combination of stuffed meat and vegetables. Enjoy the flavors of Kosovo with this traditional recipe!

nutritional values :

Nutritional Values (Per Serving):

Minced Beef (500g):

- Calories:1160 kcal

- Protein:92g

- Fat:84g

- Carbohydrates:0g

- Fiber:0g

Benefits:High in protein, iron, and zinc, essential for muscle growth, red blood cell production, and immune function.

Onion (1 medium):

- Calories:44 kcal

- Protein:1g

- Fat:0g

- Carbohydrates:10g

- Fiber:2g

Benefits:Contains antioxidants and sulfur compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Garlic (2 cloves):

- Calories:10 kcal

- Protein:0g

- Fat:0g

- Carbohydrates:2g

- Fiber:0g

Benefits:Known for boosting immune function and supporting heart health due to its sulfur compounds.

Olive Oil (3 tablespoons total):

- Calories:358 kcal

- Protein:0g

- Fat:41g

- Carbohydrates:0g

- Fiber:0g

Benefits:Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, linked to heart health and reduced inflammation.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

- Calories:6 kcal

- Protein:0g

- Fat:0g

- Carbohydrates:1g

- Fiber:1g

Benefits:Contains antioxidants like beta-carotene, supporting eye health and immune function.

Dried Thyme or Oregano (1 teaspoon):

- Calories:3 kcal

- Protein:0g

- Fat:0g

- Carbohydrates:1g

- Fiber:0g

Benefits:Rich in antioxidants and may have antimicrobial properties, supporting overall health.

Red Bell Pepper (1 medium):

- Calories:37 kcal

- Protein:1g

- Fat:0g

- Carbohydrates:9g

- Fiber:3g

Benefits:Excellent source of vitamin C, important for skin health, immune function, and collagen production.

Green Bell Pepper (1 medium):

- Calories:30 kcal

- Protein:1g

- Fat:0g

- Carbohydrates:7g

- Fiber:3g

Benefits:Contains vitamins A and C, important for vision health, immune function, and skin health.

Carrot (1 medium):

- Calories:25 kcal

- Protein:1g

- Fat:0g

- Carbohydrates:6g

- Fiber:2g

Benefits:High in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A, essential for vision health and immune function.

Zucchini (1 small):

- Calories:33 kcal

- Protein:2g

- Fat:0g

- Carbohydrates:6g

- Fiber:2g

Benefits:Low in calories, rich in vitamins C and K, supports hydration, and may aid digestion.

Tomatoes (2 medium):

- Calories:44 kcal

- Protein:2g

- Fat:0g

- Carbohydrates:10g

- Fiber:3g

Benefits:Good source of vitamins A, C, and antioxidants like lycopene, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Cabbage Leaves (calculated based on typical serving):

- Calories:30 kcal

- Protein:2g

- Fat:0g

- Carbohydrates:7g

- Fiber:4g

Benefits:Low in calories but high in fiber and vitamins K and C, supports digestion and immune health.

Tomato Passata or Crushed Tomatoes (1 cup):

- Calories:90 kcal

- Protein:4g

- Fat:0g

- Carbohydrates:20g

- Fiber:4g

Benefits:Contains lycopene and vitamins C and A, providing antioxidants and supporting heart health.

Beef or Vegetable Broth (1 cup):

- Calories:15 kcal

- Protein:1g

- Fat:0g

- Carbohydrates:3g

- Fiber:0g

Benefits:Provides hydration and may contain essential minerals like potassium and magnesium.

Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon):

- Calories:1 kcal

- Protein:0g

- Fat:0g

- Carbohydrates:0g

- Fiber:0g

Benefits:Contains vitamins K, C, and A, and antioxidants that may support bone health and immune function.

Total Nutritional Values :

- Calories:Approximately 1870 kcal

- Protein:Approximately 110g

- Fat:Approximately 126g

- Carbohydrates:Approximately 72g

- Fiber:Approximately 21g

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient quantities used. Adjustments may be needed based on individual dietary requirements and preferences.