Sicilian Peppers Raisins And Pine Nuts Recipes

SICILIAN PEPPERS, RAISINS AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Chop whole onions. Saute onions in hot oil in a nonstick pan until soft.
• Meanwhile, slice whole peppers in a food processor, and add to the onions, cooking over medium heat until they begin to soften.
• Stir in raisins, pine nuts, salt and pepper, and continue to cook until peppers are softened.

BELL PEPPERS STUFFED WITH RICE, RAISINS, AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• For the filling, fry the onion in 3 tablespoons oil until soft. Add the rice and stir until thoroughly coated and translucent. Pour in 2 cups water and add salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir well and cook for 15 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed but the rice is still a little underdone. Stir in the pine nuts, currants or raisins, tomato, cinnamon, allspice, mint, dill, parsley, and lemon juice, as well as the rest of the oil.
• Retaining the stalk, cut a circle around the stalk end of the peppers and set to one side to use as caps. Remove the cores and seeds with a spoon and discard. Fill the peppers with the rice mixture, and replace the caps.
• Arrange the peppers side by side in a shallow baking dish, pour about water into the bottom, and bake in the oven preheated to 375°F for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the peppers are tender. Be careful that they do not fall apart.
• Serve cold, accompanied, if you like, by a bowl of yogurt beaten with or without crushed garlic.

ZUCCHINI WITH RAISINS AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a medium skillet and sauté the garlic over moderate heat, stirring, just until the garlic begins to turn golden and becomes aromatic. Do not allow the garlic to overbrown.
• Add the sliced zucchini and sauté for a few minutes, stirring.
• Add the tomatoes, anchovy paste, raisins, and vinegar. Mix well, then cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 to 12 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and most of the liquid has cooked away.
• Stir in the black pepper and pine nuts. Serve warm or at room temperature.