Maltese Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers 4 large bell peppers
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 cup (200g) cooked rice 1 cup (200g) cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato paste 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 6g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. 4.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. 5.
   Stir in the cooked rice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Simmer the filling mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Stuff the bell peppers with the filling mixture and place them in a baking dish.
8. 8.
   Bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Bell peppers — Select firm and vibrant bell peppers for the best results. Different colors of bell peppers can be used for a visually appealing presentation.
• Cinnamon — Use a high-quality ground cinnamon for a fragrant and warm flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and quinoa.
• Add a sprinkle of grated cheese on top of the stuffed peppers before baking for a cheesy twist.
• Serve the stuffed peppers with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce for added creaminess.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor profile of the filling.
• Leftover stuffed peppers can be refrigerated and enjoyed as a delicious cold snack the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Maltese Stuffed Bell Peppers hot, straight from the oven. They can be enjoyed as a standalone main course or paired with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed bell peppers on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley. The vibrant colors of the peppers and the flavorful filling will make for an enticing presentation.