Lebanese Stuffed Vegetables 2

Ingredients

• 4peppers or tomatoes
• 150 grice
• 1onion
• 80 mlolive oil
• herbs — chopped
• to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

1. Begin by preparing the vegetables. If using peppers, cut off the tops and remove the seeds and membranes. If using tomatoes, slice off the tops and scoop out the insides with a spoon, being careful not to pierce the skin. Set the prepared vegetables aside and reserve the tops for later use.
2. Rinse 150 g of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky. Drain well and set aside.
3. Finely chop 1 onion. In a large skillet, heat 80 ml of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step builds the base flavor for the stuffing.
4. Add the rinsed rice to the skillet with the onions. Stir to coat the rice in the oil and onion mixture, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors. Season with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste, and add your choice of herbs, such as parsley or mint, to enhance the aromatic profile.
5. Carefully stuff each vegetable with the rice mixture, filling them just below the rim to allow the rice to expand as it cooks. Place the tops back on the vegetables to help retain moisture and flavor during cooking.
6. Arrange the stuffed vegetables in a large baking dish, ensuring they are snug but not overcrowded. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the tops to encourage browning and flavor development.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F). Bake until the vegetables are tender and the rice is fully cooked, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The vegetables should be soft to the touch, and the rice should be tender with a slight bite.
8. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the tops of the vegetables to brown slightly. Once done, remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Finish with a sprinkle of salt to taste and serve immediately, allowing everyone at the table to enjoy the shared dish.