Stuffed Red Peppers with Couscous and Green Beans

A garden-full of goodness is what you’ll find in this modern, meatless take on stuffed bell peppers.

4 servings

Use a creamy goat or sheep’s milk feta for a more piquant flavor.
Tomato sauce, either homemade or store-bought, is the perfect accompaniment to the peppers. Spoon it over the top or serve separately, letting everyone take as much or as little as they like.

Ingredients

4 red bell peppers, about 7 ounces each
1/2 cup couscous
3/4 cup boiling water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup green beans in 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup (2-ounces) crumbled feta cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
2/3 cup (about) tomato sauce, (homemade or bought), heated

Instructions

Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds and fibrous portions. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add peppers, cover and cook 4 minutes or until they begin to soften. Remove with tongs and drain upside-down on paper towels.
Preheat oven to 375F.
Place couscous in a large bowl; add boiling water, cover and let stand 10 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove lid and fluff with a fork.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add beans and onion; cook, mixing occasionally, 8 minutes or until beans are browned in spots and tender. Combine couscous, bean mixture, feta, thyme, salt and pepper.
Spoon into peppers (about 3/4 cup per pepper). Transfer to a greased shallow baking dish and bake 20 minutes or until tops are lightly toasted. Serve with tomato sauce.

Recipe by Jean Kressy.

Nutritional Info (per serving)