| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 650 | 38g | 13g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 5g | 35g | 0.8g |
For me, Saquicos Stuffed with Ground Beef combines my love for Indian-American fusion cuisine in a way that few other recipes can match. This dish is not your ordinary stuffed vegetables – it intertwines the zesty flavors of Saquicos with the hearty richness of ground beef, creating an orchestra of texture and flavor. The fusion of these ingredients seamlessly marries the freshness and vitality of West Coast cooking with the vibrant spices of my Gujarati roots. As a child, I had always associated these stuffed dishes with celebrations, a nod to the cultural importance meal-sharing has in both Indian and Californian traditions. This dish certainly pays homage to that and makes every day feel like a celebration.
Something to Love for Everyone
Saquicos Stuffed with Ground Beef, for me, becomes a meal that has something to offer to everyone. The richness of the ground beef? Check. A surprising touch of sweetness from raisins? Got it. The tangy punch from capers and green olives? Absolutely. And the heart-healthy almonds that are rich in vitamin E and good fats? Oh yes, they’re in there too. It’s such a vibrant dish that can cater to a wide range of taste buds and nutritional needs. I refer to this as my kitchen symphony – each component works in harmony to create an end product that’s simply irresistible.
A Delectable Fusion
The stuffed dishes of my Indian heritage often come in the forms of Bharwan Baingan (stuffed eggplant) and Bharwan Bhindi (stuffed okra) and Californian cuisine is no stranger to stuffing foods either, think of a classic stuffed bell pepper. This recipe for Saquicos Stuffed with Ground Beef combines the best elements of these creations into a fusion dish that works beautifully as a standalone meal or pairs equally well with Indian Rice Bowls with Chicken Jalfrezi or Rajasthani Papad Ki Sabji for a completely immersive culinary experience.
This dish isn’t simply a recipe, it’s an extension of the love and value I hold for my cultures, a combination of tradition and innovation. Each bite, fragrant with spice and bursting with flavor, is a testament to my culinary journey. And each time my husband, Faisal, or our two boys reach out for seconds, I can’t help but be reminded of the joy and unity food brings to our table.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of Saquicos
- 1.5 pounds of Ground Beef
- 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil
- 1 cup of Onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of Garlic, minced
- 1 cup of Tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium Green Pepper, chopped
- 1 medium Red Pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup of Fresh Cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of Cumin
- 1/2 cup of Raisins
- 1/4 cup of Capers
- 1/4 cup of Green Olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup of Almonds, sliced
Method
Step One
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. When it’s hot, add the onions, garlic, green pepper, and red pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.
Step Two
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Season with salt, black pepper, and cumin, and cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and well cooked.
Step Three
Add the tomatoes to the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Stir, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft.
Step Four
Add the cilantro, raisins, capers, green olives, and almonds. Stir well to combine and cook for about 5 more minutes.
Step Five
Take the skillet off the heat and let the filling cool down a bit. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Step Six
Take your saquicos and stuff them with the beef filling. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the saquicos are golden and crispy.
Step Seven
Remove from the oven and let them cool before serving. Enjoy your saquicos stuffed with ground beef!
