Shakla Mehchi

Name: Shakla Mehchi
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Tunisian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 large tomatoes; 2 red bell peppers; 1/4 cup onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp harissa paste; 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 tsp salt

Tomatoes and peppers stuffed with spiced ground meat and herbs. A showstopping Tunisian classic that's rustic, fragrant, and perfect for a family dinner.

60 minMediumServes 4310 cal/serving

TunisianDinnerStovetopStandard

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
4 large tomatoes
2 red bell peppers
1/4 cup onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp harissa paste
2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1

Cut the tops off the 4 large tomatoes and 2 red bell peppers. Scoop out the centers, reserving the tomato flesh. Chop the reserved large tomatoes flesh and set aside.
2

In a bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/4 cup finely diced onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp harissa paste, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix gently until just combined.
3

Stuff each tomato and pepper with the beef mixture.
4

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Arrange the stuffed tomatoes and peppers upright in the pot.
5

Add the reserved tomato flesh around the vegetables.
6

Cover and simmer for 35-40 minutes until the peppers are tender and the beef is cooked through.
7

Internal temperature of beef should reach 160°F. Serve hot.

Questions

How long does Shakla Mehchi keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Shakla Mehchi?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

Omek Houria side
Slata Mechouia salad
Zlabya dessert

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