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1
Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C)
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2
Slice a 1/2-inch (1 cm) round (including the stem, if any) from the top of each pepper.
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3
Set these aside.
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4
(Theyll serve later as lids for the stuffed peppers.)
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5
Trim the cavity of the peppers, discarding seed pod and seeds, without puncturing the walls or bottom of the peppers.
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6
Set aside.
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7
In a bowl, shred the onions through the graters largest holes (youll have about 3 cups [750 mL] grated onions and juices).
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8
Transfer to a large nonstick frying pan.
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9
Add cinnamon, salt and pepper; cook, stirring, over high heat for 5 minutes or until most of the juices have evaporated.
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10
Add pine nuts, currants and olive oil; cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until the onions start to catch on bottom of pan.
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11
Immediately add rice; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until the rice is thoroughly coated with oil.
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12
Add tomatoes and 1/2 cup (125 mL) of the boiling water; cook, stirring, for about 4 minutes or until the tomatoes have broken down and the water is absorbed.
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13
Remove from heat.
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14
Stir in mint, dill and black beans until well mixed.
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15
Stuff a scant 1/2 cup (125 mL) of the rice-bean stuffing into each pepper.
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16
(It should be about twothirds full to allow for expansion.)
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17
Place stuffed peppers into roasting pan, fitting the peppers snugly in a single layer.
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18
Place the reserved tops on the peppers to act as lids.
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19
Add 1 cup (250 mL) boiling water around the peppers.
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20
Cover and bake for 40 minutes, undisturbed.
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21
Uncover and bake for 30 to 40 minutes more to char the peppers and reduce the liquid.
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22
Remove from oven, and cover the peppers.
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23
Let them cool down completely (about 1 1/2 hours) before serving.