Nov 13, 2008

Couscous stuffed Bell Peppers - A Medley of colors

Couscous granules are made from semolina (coarsely ground durum wheat) or, in some regions, from coarsely ground barley or pearl millet.The couscous available to buy in most Western supermarkets has been pre-steamed and dried, the package directions usually instruct to add a small amount of boiling water or stock to the couscous, cover tightly for 5 minutes. The couscous swells and within a few minutes is ready to fluff with a fork and serve. Pre-steamed couscous takes less time to prepare than regular couscous, dried pasta, or dried grains such as rice. [Wikipedia]

Having heard a lot about couscous, I wanted to try some dish with the grain. Seeing this recipe Sunita's blog I was tempted to try it for dinner. My pictures do not do justice to the dish. Hopover to Sunita's blog to see her amazing pics. This dish is an easy one to prepare and serves as a change to a normal dinner. The juiciness of the bell peppers go along well with the nuttiness and crunchiness of the couscous-vegetabe stuffing.



Ingredients

Bell Peppers - 3 (different colors)
Olive oil - 2 spoons
Couscous - 1/2 cup
Very finely chopped vegetables - 1 1/2 cups ( Carrot, cauliflower, peas)
Onion - 1/2 chopped finely
Garlic - 2 cloves
Chilli powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Cumin powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Vegetable stock/water - 1 cup
Feta cheese / any cheese - 1/2 cup
Salt and pepper to taste
Corinader leaves for garnish



Directions

Half the peppers and scoop out the contents inside. Rub oil to the inside and outside of the bell peppers and arrange them cut side up on a baking sheet.Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degree F for about 20 minutes till the bell peppers turn soft.

In the mean time, mix together the couscous, chopped vegetables, garlic and onion. Bring the stock/water to a boil and pour it over the couscous-vegetable mixture. cover and let it stand for 20 minutes until all the water gets absorbed.



Once the couscous is done, fluff it slightly with a fork. Add the cumin powder, chilli powder, salt, pepper, half the cheese and coriander leaves. Mix until combined.

Spoon the couscous mixture into the baked bell pepper halves. Top with the remaining cheese and return back to the oven. Bake for about 15 inutes until the cheese is slightly browned.

Serve warm with a soup.


This makes a wholesome meal with the bell peppers and the couscous stuffing.Hence I am sending this to 



50 comments:

  1. I totally agree they looks really colourful and not to mention super delicious

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  2. Looks great! Almost like sooji/ravai. Nice recipe.

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  3. I can imagine this making a very satisfying side to a spicy soup...the bell peppers look so vibrant too!

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  4. that's a cool idea.. so healthy and colorful.

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  5. Stuffing the couscous in bell pepper is so flavorful :) What a lovely way to make dinner :)

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  6. now that looks awesome ... got to try this Divya

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  7. These look light and delicious as opposed to heavier meat stuffed peppers.

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  8. Wow that looks great and colorful indeed. I once saw a program in History and was wonderstruck by the use of wheat and its by product...

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  9. Can guess the flavour..looks delicious...

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  10. mmm. what a delicious way to stuff bell peppers! Looks awesome Divya!

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  11. Vibrant juicy peppers look very tasty with stuffed couscous:)

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  12. great idea of stuffing in bell peppers...looking great..

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  13. That looks wonderful. I too have couscous, will try this:)

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  14. This sounds awesome ....looks so colorful and pretty...

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  15. Such a nice accompaniment to soup! They look colorful and appetizing Divya

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  16. Guess wat, i have something in my blog for u..pls check it out..http://priyaeasyntastyrecipes.blogspot.com/2008/11/awards-time.html

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  17. Glad you liked the recipe ...we really enjoyed them too :-)

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  18. I recently only knew that couscous is a family of pasta,and here you go with a recipe using it!:)

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  19. Looks colourful and healthy too.. soon to try :)

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  20. Awesome dude. Btn got something for you in my blog...pls trail back to me.

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  21. wow Divya this is really a colorful and yummy dish. lovely entry.

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  22. I love the flavor of Bell peppers. Its really innovative of you to try stuffing couscous.

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  23. Real Medley of colors here..I'm Loving it:)

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  24. Hi Sweetie I have something for you at http://memoryarchieved.blogspot.com/2008/11/spicy-vegetable-kurma.html

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  25. Havnt tried couscous yet divya.....when ill try i'll let u know.....

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  26. Oh this looks greattt and very nice recipe, delicious entry!!!

    I posted an event for Children's Day event on my blog, plz participate!!! Here's link..

    http://vegetarianmedley.blogspot.com/2008/11/celebrating-childrens-day-event.html

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  27. How lovely! I've always thought of paneer, rice and besan as stuffings for capsicum, now this is another idea! But I don't see couscous here, so I'll have to wait till someone gets me some.

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  28. Lovely dish Divya. I have made upma stuffed peppers and this one I'm going to try very soon.

    There has been a lag in posting the round up for YRR. I'll do it soon. Thanks for the entry.

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  29. Using couscous as the stuffing is a nice change from the rice-veg mix that is commonly seen in so many recipes. And there's nothing wrong with your pics; they're fine.:D

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  30. Please visit my place for a treat:

    http://teluguruchi.blogspot.com/2008/11/old-post-and-some-sweet-surprises.html

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  31. I hv a packet of couscous begging to be used! and i love bell peppers, thanx dear!

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  32. I love how colorful these look, and they're so nutritious too. Lovely, lovely dish, Divya.

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  33. the last time i checked, the couscous here was almost near expiry - i think the tiny abcd pasta would be a good substitute

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  34. Thanks Divya for participating in the World Food Day Event "Time to be Thankful". I love stuff bell peppers and yours really look great.

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  35. hmmn... i love both couscous and peppers, so for me this combo is a winner!

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  36. That looks so pretty.. i made another version too but yet to post it.. must try with couscous.

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  37. yeh that is afull meal divya is that cheese on top of it love the recipe yaar will try and tell u

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  38. Usually peppers are stuffed with rice or potatoes. This is a really nice variation. Looks delicious.

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Hi..
Thanks for dropping by my blog and rendering your valuable comments..Hope you had a nice time reading my recipes..Thanks for your encouragement..

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