Name: Couscous and Asparagus Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lbs (454 g) ground beef; 1 egg; 0.5 vidalia onion; 4 cloves garlic; 2 tbsp sesame seeds; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon; 0.5 tsp ground turmeric; 1 cups (237 ml) low-sodium beef broth; 1 cups (237 ml) plain couscous; 1 cups (237 ml) white wine; 8 small or 4 medium-size tomatoes; 5 stalks asparagus; 0.3 cups (71 ml) golden raisins; 10 medium-size bell peppers; extra-virgin olive oil

Description

Flavorful couscous, beef, and asparagus are nestled in roasted peppers for a hearty and satisfying meal. A simple dill yogurt sauce adds a lovely touch.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 lbs (454 g) ground beef
1 egg
0.5 vidalia onion
4 cloves garlic
2 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
0.5 tsp ground turmeric
1 cups (237 ml) low-sodium beef broth
1 cups (237 ml) plain couscous
1 cups (237 ml) white wine
8 small or 4 medium-size tomatoes
5 stalks asparagus
0.3 cups (71 ml) golden raisins
10 medium-size bell peppers
extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix together beef, egg, and spices.
Cook onions with 1 tablespoon olive oil in a very large, deep skillet until soft and golden.
Add garlic and sesame seeds; toast for 2 minutes.
Add beef and cook over medium-high heat until no longer pink, breaking it into chunks.
Add tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Add couscous, wine, and beef broth; cover and cook over medium-low heat until the couscous absorbs most of the liquid (about 8 minutes). Add 2 more tablespoons of couscous if necessary.
Add raisins and asparagus; mix well and season with salt to taste.
Brush 1 or 2 baking dishes with olive oil.
Stuff peppers with the meat filling.
Bake covered at 400°F (204°C) for 45 minutes.
Bake uncovered at 400°F (204°C) for 15 more minutes.

Notes

For optimal couscous texture, ensure the beef broth is simmering gently when added. Overly vigorous boiling can result in dry couscous.
Substitute ground lamb or turkey for the beef for a variation in flavor and leanness.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
Calories: 400
Sugar: 5
Sodium: 400
Fat: 25
Saturated Fat: 10
Unsaturated Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 40
Fiber: 5
Protein: 30
Cholesterol: 80