Stuffed Capsicums (Serves 6)
These are fantastic little all-in-one packages of nutrition! Each capsicum has 1 serve of vegetables, 1 serve of wholegrains and 1 serve of lean meat. They are a great source of fibre, protein and micronutrients. Serve with a side of salad or vegetables for a deliciously balanced lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
500g lean beef mince
2 tsp unsaturated oil (either olive or vegetable)
1 small onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, diced
2 sticks celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
3/4 cup water or stock
1 cup dry brown rice
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
½ tsp thyme
½ tsp sage
½ cup slivered almonds
Juice of 1 lemon
6 medium-sized capsicums
Method
Mince –
1. Heat a non-stick pan, add the oil. Fry the onion, carrot and celery for a few minutes, then add the garlic and fry until fragrant and soft.
2. Add the beef mince and brown – make sure you break up the clumps of meat so that it cooks evenly and in fine pieces.
3. Add the water/stock, tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to boil before turning the heat to low and simmering – covered – for approx. 20 minutes to let the flavours develop.
Rice –
1. Bring 2 cups of water and 1 cup of dry brown rice to boil, stirring occasionally.
2. Lower heat, cover and simmer for around 15 mins.
3. Remove from heat and stand, covered for 5 to 10 mins, until all water is absorbed.
Assembly –
1. Combine the mince mixture, brown rice, herbs, almonds and lemon juice.
2. Cut the tops off the capsicums and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and white membrane.
3. Divide the rice and mince mixture evenly among the capsicums.
4. Oil a baking dish and place capsicums in, being careful they don’t topple over. Pour a little stock or water over the capsicums to keep them soft.
5. Cover with aluminium foil and bake at 180°Cfor 45mins or until capsicum is soft.
!! Vegan/Vegetarian option !!
• Replace the mince with 2 cans of drained red kidney beans and add to the garlic and vegetable mixture in step 1. (Or you could use a faux meat mince).
• Replace the Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce.
(Recipe adapted from eatforhealth.gov.au)
Great dinner with vegetarian and vegan option!
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