If you’re looking to bring a taste of Morocco to your dinner table, these Moroccan Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and aromatic choice. Inspired by the flavors of North Africa, this recipe combines fragrant spices, hearty couscous, and savory ground lamb all stuffed into vibrant bell peppers. Perfect for a cozy evening at home or for entertaining guests, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress with their satisfying flavors and colorful presentation.
Moroccan Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground lamb
– 1 cup cooked couscous
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by brushing it with olive oil.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the lamb. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
6. Add the tomato paste to the skillet and stir to combine with the lamb mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked couscous, chopped parsley, dried apricots, and almonds, mixing well.
8. Gently stuff each bell pepper with the lamb and couscous mixture, pressing down lightly to pack it in.
9. Place the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle a little olive oil over the tops of the peppers.
10. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
11. Remove the foil, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the stuffed peppers, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Serve the Moroccan Stuffed Peppers warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired. Enjoy the flavorful blend of spices, lamb, and couscous in every savory bite!
These Moroccan Stuffed Peppers are a delightful way to experience the exotic and warm flavors of Moroccan cuisine right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress with its unique blend of spices, textures, and colors. Try this recipe to bring a touch of the enchanting Moroccan culinary tradition to your next meal.