Moroccan Couscous-Stuffed Peppers
Serves 4
Roasted whole red peppers stuffed
with a Moroccan-spiced couscous studded with raisins and toasted
almonds.
4 red peppers
1 cup quick-cooking couscous
⅓ cup raisins
1¼ cups boiling chicken or vegetable stock
½ cup slivered almonds
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus 4 teaspoons extra for
drizzling
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cloves garlic — minced
1½ teaspoons ground cumin
1½ teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ red onion — finely diced
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
PREHEAT the oven to 400°F/200°F. CUT the
tops off each pepper (and reserve them) and remove the membrane and
seeds. MIX the couscous with the raisins in a bowl and pour over the
boiling stock. COVER with a dish towel, plate or plastic wrap to
seal in the steam and let sit for 5 minutes. HEAT a frying pan over
a medium heat and lightly toast the almonds until golden brown all
over, stirring regularly. PLACE 3 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon
juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, ginger, salt and pepper in a jar
with a screw-top lid and shake to mix. FLUFF the couscous with a
fork to separate the grains and stir through the red onion, toasted
almonds and parsley. POUR over the dressing and toss together until
well combined. SPOON equal amounts of the couscous stuffing into
each pepper. PLACE the stuffed peppers, standing upright, side by
side in a lightly greased baking dish. DRIZZLE 1 teaspoon of olive
oil over each pepper, and place the tops back on. BAKE for 40
minutes.
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