Sunday Supper: Middle Eastern Spiced Beef

January 21, 2012 at 8:42PM

MIDDLE EASTERN SPICED BEEF

Serves 4.

From "Quick & Easy Meals," by the American Heart Association.

• 1 tsp. canola or corn oil

• 12 oz. extra-lean ground beef

• 1 medium yellow squash, chopped

• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced

• 1/2 c. diced onion

• 1 c. water, divided

• 1/2 c. uncooked couscous (preferably whole wheat)

• 1/2 c. (about 2 oz.) finely chopped pecans or whole pine nuts

• 21/2 tsp. sugar

• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

• 1/4 tsp. ground allspice

• 1/4 tsp. salt

Directions

In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook beef for 2 minutes, stirring constantly and turning and crumbling beef. Drain and discard any liquid.

Stir in squash, bell pepper and onion. Cook for 8 minutes, or until onion is soft, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over high heat, heat 3/4 cup water to boiling. Remove from heat and stir in couscous. Cover tightly and let stand for 5 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with fork.

In a small skillet, dry-roast pecans over medium heat for about 4 minutes, or until just fragrant, stirring frequently. Remove from skillet so they don't burn. (For pine nuts, dry-roast over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes, or until they are fragrant and turning golden, stirring frequently.)

Stir the pecans, sugar, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, salt and remaining 1/4 cup water into beef mixture. Serve over couscous.

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