Cooking is like love: It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.
Harriet Van Horne
These Stuffed Red Peppers are a hearty and flavorful dish that combines perfectly spiced minced meat, fluffy rice, and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or as an impressive dish for guests, this recipe brings warmth and joy to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich in Flavor: A blend of spices, preserved lemon, and herbs makes every bite a delight.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein and rice, it’s a complete meal in itself.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spices or add veggies to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
For the Peppers:
- 4 large red peppers
- Olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 cup rice (cooked)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 200 g minced meat
- 1 tablespoon concentrated tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons parsley and coriander (chopped)
- 1/4 preserved lemon (finely chopped)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper powder
- A pinch of turmeric
- A pinch of ginger
For the Sauce:
- 400 ml concentrated tomato sauce
- 400 ml water
Instructions
1. Prepare the Peppers:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Cut off the tops of the red peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Brush the peppers with olive oil and place them on a baking tray.
- Roast in the oven for 15 minutes to slightly soften them.
2. Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked rice, minced meat, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, parsley, coriander, and preserved lemon.
- Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, cumin, red pepper, turmeric, and ginger.
3. Assemble the Stuffed Peppers:
- Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Stuff each pepper with the prepared filling, pressing it down gently to fill completely.
4. Cook the Peppers:
- In a deep pot, combine 400 ml of tomato sauce and 400 ml of water to make the cooking sauce.
- Place the stuffed peppers upright in the pot.
- Cover and cook over low heat for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the peppers to become tender.
Tips for Success
- Preserved Lemon: Adds a unique tangy flavor, but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the filling and peppers in advance for a quick assembly.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 4 stuffed peppers
- Calories: ~250 kcal per serving
A Dish to Remember
These Red Pepper Stuffed with Minced Meat and Rice are as delightful to eat as they are to make. Share this recipe with friends or let us know how it turned out for you in the comments. Happy cooking! 🌟
