Couscous Mini Bells
Posted
Mon, 04/01/13
Last week during my usual grocery run, I spotted a two-pound bag of mini-bell peppers in the produce section. Without a clue as how to prepare them for a meal or snack, I bought them anyway. At $5.49 per bag, how could I not?
A few days later, I had the notion to prepare the mini-peppers as I would normal-sized bell peppers. The difference came with the fillings, of course. How many goodies can you stuff into a small cavity?
This is what I finally concocted (filed under Appetizers). Pardon my dodgy photo skills:
Couscous Mini Bells
1 pkg. (2 LBS) sweet mini bell peppers
Slice tops off mini bell peppers; set aside. Carefully remove seeds and pinch off white rind from inside the peppers. Rinse peppers under cold water. Place peppers in a steamer or pan of boiling water; cook, covered, for about thirty to forty-five minutes or until peppers are somewhat tender but not too soft. Cut edible portions from pepper tops; chop fine and then sauté in olive oil or margarine with freshly-ground black pepper until soft. Set aside. Cook couscous according to package directions. Add sautéed bits of pepper tops and stir. Allow mixture to cool slightly.
Place steamed peppers in a glass dish so that they stand upright, leaning one against the other if necessary. Spoon couscous mixture into each pepper until even on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan or Romano cheese. Warm in the microwave for about one minute; serve. Note: Adding salt is not necessary as there is more than enough salty taste in the couscous seasoning packet. Suggestions: For Couscous Mini Bells, try using fresh mini bell peppers from Primetime Produce and the toasted pine nut variety couscous from Near East.
For the couscous, I opted for the Near East brand. The pine nut flavor happens to be my favorite, but any variety can be used. Adding salt is not necessary as there is more than enough salty taste in the couscous seasoning packet.
The sweet bell peppers compliment the savory couscous and cheesy topping. My recipe can be used as an appetizer, but I find them just as tasty for a main meal.
Tags: Appetizers;
Food Photos; New Recipes;
Pine Nuts
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