Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant and diverse flavors of Belize with our delectable Belizean Relleno recipe. A true gem of Belizean cuisine, Relleno is a dish that reflects the rich cultural tapestry of this Central American paradise. Bursting with savory goodness, this recipe combines traditional ingredients with a modern twist, creating a dish that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores and lush landscapes of Belize.

Prepare to immerse yourself in the art of Belizean cooking as we guide you through the steps to craft the perfect Belizean Relleno. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a home kitchen enthusiast, this recipe promises to be a rewarding adventure, offering a taste of Belize's culinary heritage. So, gather your ingredients, don your apron, and let the enticing aromas of Belizean Relleno fill your kitchen with the essence of this tropical haven. Get ready for a flavorful experience that will leave you yearning for more of Belize's culinary treasures.

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (assorted colors for a vibrant presentation)
• 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup black beans, cooked and drained
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)

For Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sour cream

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Bell Peppers:

1-Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.

2-Place the peppers in a baking dish, standing upright.

Cook the Meat Mixture:

1-In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat until fully cooked.

2-Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sauté until the onions are translucent.

Season the Filling:

1-Stir in cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

2-Add cooked rice and black beans, mixing well.

3-Pour in the tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.

Stuff the Bell Peppers:

1-Carefully stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture, pressing down gently.

2-Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.

Bake in the Oven:Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.

Serve:

1-Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

2-Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side.

Enjoy:Dive into the savory goodness of Belize Relleno, savoring the melding flavors of seasoned meat, beans, and cheese within each vibrant bell pepper.

This Belizean Relleno recipe captures the essence of Belizean cuisine, offering a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Get ready to savor the warmth and authenticity of this Belizean classic in the comfort of your own home!

Nutritional Values:

Providing precise nutritional values can be challenging due to variations in specific products and preparation methods. However, I can offer approximate values for the individual ingredients based on common nutritional data. Keep in mind that these are rough estimates and may vary:

Nutritional Values (Approximate):

4 large bell peppers (assorted colors):

• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 7g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C, supporting the immune system.
• High in antioxidants, promoting overall health.

1 lb ground beef or mix of beef and pork:

• Calories: 1300
• Protein: 104g
• Fat: 94g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of protein for muscle development.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc.

1 cup cooked rice:

• Calories: 215
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Good source of energy due to complex carbohydrates.
• Contains essential nutrients such as manganese and selenium.

1 cup black beans, cooked and drained:

• Calories: 227
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 1g

benefits:

• High in fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Rich in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.

1 cup tomato sauce:

• Calories: 90
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 1g

benefits:

• Contains lycopene, an antioxidant with potential health benefits.
• Provides vitamins A and C, supporting vision and skin health.

1 onion, finely chopped:

• Calories: 45
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants, reducing oxidative stress.
• Contains quercetin, which may have anti-inflammatory effects.

2 cloves garlic, minced:

• Calories: 10
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Known for potential immune-boosting properties.
• Contains allicin, with potential cardiovascular benefits.

1 tsp cumin:

• Calories: 8
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 1g

benefits:

• May aid digestion and provide anti-inflammatory effects.
• Contains antioxidants and may have antimicrobial properties.

1 tsp paprika:

• Calories: 6
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Contains vitamin A, supporting skin health.
• May have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

1 tsp dried oregano:

• Calories: 5
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• High in antioxidants, supporting overall health.
• Contains compounds with potential antibacterial properties.

Salt and pepper to taste:

• Calories: Negligible

benefits:

• Provide essential minerals in moderation.
• Add flavor to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack):

• Calories: 440
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 4g

benefits:

• Good source of calcium for bone health.
• Provides protein and healthy fats.

Fresh cilantro, chopped:

• Calories: Negligible

Sour cream:

• Calories: 120 (per 2 tablespoons)
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

Please note that these values are approximations and can vary based on specific product brands and preparation methods. Adjustments may be necessary based on your individual dietary needs.