Romani Stuffed Lemons

Ingredients

In the Romani adaptation of Limones rellenos, we incorporate traditional Romani spices and flavor profiles to create a unique twist. The filling is modified to include Romani herbs and vegetables, adding depth and complexity to the dish. Additionally, the cooking techniques are adjusted to align with Romani culinary traditions, ensuring an authentic Romani culinary experience. We alse have the original recipe for Limones rellenos, so you can check it out.

• 6 lemons 6 lemons
• 250g (8.8oz) ground beef 250g (8.8oz) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, diced 1 tomato, diced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cut off the top of each lemon and carefully hollow out the pulp using a spoon. Set aside the hollowed-out lemons.
2. 2.
   In a pan, heat some oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned.
4. 4.
   Stir in the red bell pepper, tomato, paprika, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Fill each hollowed-out lemon with the beef mixture, pressing it down gently.
6. 6.
   Place the stuffed lemons in a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, until the lemons are tender and the filling is cooked through.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemons — Choose lemons that are firm and have a bright yellow color. Squeeze out the juice from the hollowed-out lemons and reserve it for other recipes or use it as a refreshing drink.
• Ground beef — Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish. You can also substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
• Romani spices — Use high-quality spices to enhance the flavors of the dish. If you can't find specific Romani spices, you can create a blend using paprika, cumin, and dried oregano.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling mixture.
• Serve the Romani Stuffed Lemons with a side of Romani flatbread or rice pilaf for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different fillings by adding ingredients like olives, raisins, or pine nuts to create your own unique flavor combinations.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with cooked quinoa or lentils.
• Make sure to remove any seeds from the lemons before filling them to avoid any unwanted bitterness.

Serving advice

Serve the Romani Stuffed Lemons as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. The vibrant colors of the dish will make it an eye-catching centerpiece on your dining table.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed lemons on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley. You can also sprinkle some paprika on top for an extra pop of color. Serve them with a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.