Filfil Mahshi
Libyan Stuffed Peppers
Filfil Mahshi is a beloved Libyan dish of bell peppers stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground lamb, rice, and aromatic herbs and spices, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. It's a comforting and hearty meal that showcases the vibrant flavors of Libyan cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 6 large Bell peppers(any color, tops cut off and seeds removed)
- 500 g Ground lamb(or ground beef)
- 1 cup Short-grain rice(rinsed and soaked for 1 hour)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 5 stalks Green onions(finely chopped)
- 2 large Tomatoes(diced)
- 6 oz Tomato paste(can)
- 1 cup Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 1 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped)
- 2 tsp Hararat spice blend
- 1 tsp Red chili powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Dried mint
- 2 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 cups Water or beef broth
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the peppers: Wash the bell peppers, cut off the tops, and remove the seeds and ribs. Set aside.
- 2
Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, soaked rice, chopped onion, green onions, diced tomatoes, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, hararat spice blend, red chili powder, turmeric, dried mint, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- 3
Stuff the peppers: Carefully fill each bell pepper with the prepared mixture, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top as the rice will expand during cooking.
- 4
Prepare the sauce: In a large, deep pot or Dutch oven, combine the water (or beef broth), tomato paste, and any remaining chopped herbs or spices. Stir to combine.
- 5
Arrange and cook: Place the stuffed peppers upright in the pot, nestled into the sauce. Ensure they are not too crowded. Cover the pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the rice is fully cooked.
- 6
Rest and serve: Let the stuffed peppers rest in the pot for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld. Serve hot, with extra sauce spooned over the top.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier kick, you can add a finely chopped Anaheim or other chili pepper to the filling mixture.
- ✓If the sauce seems too thick during cooking, add a little more water or broth. If it's too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to reduce.
- ✓This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. You can also freeze the stuffed peppers before baking for a later meal.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Instead of bell peppers, you can stuff other vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.
- For a richer flavor, some recipes suggest using a combination of lamb and beef.
- A pinch of caraway powder or coriander powder can be added to the spice mix for added depth of flavor.