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23 ways to stuff your dinner and come out a hero

It looks sensational on the table, is simple enough to do, and instantly ups your kitchen cred.

Stuffed red capsicum

Dolma or stuffed vegetables reminds Samah of her cultural roots. Source: Alan Benson

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Yes, filling one ingredient inside another is where it's at. 

Flex your mussels, roll your vine leaves and fill your zucchini flowers and dumplings. Here are our picks from a growing collection we like to call, "stuffed".
Never again feel the bitter pang of picking up a hollow shell. These are filled to the brim with a fresh mix of cracked rice, pine nuts, tomato, mint and raisins.
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The Moorish influence on Spanish cuisine comes to life in these . The banana or bullhorn chillies are charred, stuffed and battered before frying.
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No Greek tasting platter is complete without some . This is a vegetarian delight, however you can use pork, beef or lamb if you want a meaty starter. Serve it with some and get your dip on.
Vine leaves.
Dolmades Source: Brett Stevens
This Croatian is tangy, delicate, rich and best made a day ahead, so the flavours are fully realised. Via
Sarma
Source: Feast magazine
The simplicity and deliciousness of rice stuffed leaves is taken to a new level with. Squeeze the parcel gently once rolling so it stays intact when its cooked and you'll want to serve them immediately.
Silverbeet rolls (mahshi selek)
Silverbeet rolls (mahshi selek) Source: Sharyn Cairns
In the hills of central Le Marche in Italy, these are sold in paper cones on the street. Via
Deep-fried stuffed olives
Deep-fried stuffed olives Source: Getty Images
These cook pretty well on a barbecue hotplate. Serve with lemon wedges and get 'em while they're piping.
Haloumi, mint and preserved lemon cigars
Source: Murdoch Books
A non-negotiable party food, these pan-fried are filled with pork, tofu and a dash of sake, and quickly fried after a frollick in egg wash.
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This magnificent dumpling celebrates all the bounty of the earth and if you've got a crowd coming over then these are the ideal entertaining food.
Silverbeet and spinach dumplings
Silverbeet and spinach dumplings Source: Sharyn Cairns
grilled over charcoal, peeled and stuffed with cheese, dipped in light frothy egg batter, fried and served with a deeply satisfying tomato, onion and chilli sauce - what a cheesy winner of a dish.
Stuffed poblano chillies
Stuffed poblano chillies (chiles rellenos) Source: Sharyn Cairns
will feed more than a few, so call in the troops. Via
Lamb stuffed with lemon, pine nuts and caperberries
Lamb stuffed with lemon, pine nuts and caperberries Source: John Laurie
Here's an dish from that's going to change your weeknight dinner rotation. Serve with garlic yoghurt and Turkish bread.
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is a classic New Orleans layered sandwich, or so says the Internet. The true origin is Sicilian, though, and is nowadays the most colourful picnic idea since tartan rugs.
Muffaletta Destination Flavour Down Under
The sandwich that doubles as a birthday cake. Source: Adam Liaw
This is sewn together like a parcel and grilled over fire or coals. Via
Feast Magazine
Beef stuffed with capsicum and blue cheese (matambre) Source: Anson Smart
Stuff a little protein into your carbohydrates and make it a one-pot pilaf, Mediterranean style - like Ainsley Harriott would.
One-pot rose harissa chicken and apricot pilaf
Source: Ebury Press / Dan Jones
with walnut filling and rosewater syrup is a surprise addition, but one bite in and you'd not refuse another. Via
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are a wonderful technique to master. (Definitely a case where deliciousness outranks appearance.) Via
Squid croquettes with green sauce
Squid croquettes with green sauce Source: SBS Food
's s features cinnamon, burghul and biber salcasi (pepper paste). It's both a centrepiece and a masterpiece.
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Various recipes for can be found along the stretch of Ligurian Sea coast between France and Italy. For the fullest flavour, use super-fresh sardines.
Stuffed sardines
This wholesome Greek dish of boasts a filling of rice, tomato, dill and mint. Listen to that breaks down this glorious recipe.
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If you only cook one recipe from this collection, let it be this one – . While you're at it, check out our . Via
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Our vego are stuffed with rice, herbs and baharat. Return the tops after stuffing 'cause don't they look fancy?
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Stuffed red capsicum.
These are served with red hot chillies, plus black tea or beer to help tame the heat.
Stuffed tofu
Stuff your tofu, batter up and fry them to golden perfection. Source: Alan Benson
Want more? Sure. Check out our complete stuffed collection .




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SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only. Read more about SBS Food
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SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only.
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4 min read
Published 4 August 2014 2:25pm
Updated 28 August 2020 5:15pm
By SBS Food bite-sized
Source: SBS


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