Cajun Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients

In this Cajun adaptation of the Maltese Bżar mimli, we incorporate the bold and spicy flavors of Cajun cuisine. The original dish typically includes ground meat, rice, and vegetables, but we enhance it with Cajun spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme. These spices add a distinct heat and smokiness to the dish, giving it a Cajun twist. We alse have the original recipe for Bżar mimli, so you can check it out.

• 4 large bell peppers 4 large bell peppers
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 cup (200g) cooked rice 1 cup (200g) cooked rice
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 celery stalk, diced 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (14.5 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 5g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2.
   Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers in a baking dish.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. 4.
   Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced celery to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
5. 5.
   Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. 6.
   Spoon the filling mixture into the bell peppers, packing it tightly.
7. 7.
   Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the baking dish.
8. 8.
   Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9. 9.
   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
10. 10.
    Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bell peppers — Choose firm and vibrant bell peppers for the best results. You can use a mix of different colors to add visual appeal to the dish.
• Cajun seasoning — If you can't find pre-made Cajun seasoning, you can make your own by combining paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add more cayenne pepper to the filling mixture.
• Serve the stuffed bell peppers with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added creaminess.
• Feel free to customize the filling by adding other vegetables such as corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• Leftover stuffed bell peppers can be refrigerated and enjoyed as a delicious cold snack the next day.
• If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper.

Serving advice

Serve the Cajun Stuffed Bell Peppers as a main course accompanied by a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. The vibrant colors of the peppers make for an attractive presentation on the plate.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top of the stuffed bell peppers before serving. The green color of the parsley adds a pop of freshness and complements the colors of the dish.