Ingredients

  • squash/bell peppers
  • 1 T canola oil
  • 1 medium size onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 1 large but firm tomato (about 8 oz.), peeled and chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 t dried oregano
  • 1/2 t ground cumin
  • 1/2 t salt
  • 1/2 t freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 oz. lean ground beef
  • 4 oz. imported boiled ham, ground into a paste in a food processor
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup day-old bread crumbs soaked in 1/2 cup water for 30 min.
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons seedless black raisins
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • cornstarch mixed with cold water (optional), for thickening

Method

  • wash off the squash well and cut a slice off the stem end. using a spoon, carefully remove the heart with the seeds. cook in a large pot of boiling salted water until somewhat firm - about 15 min. (If using peppers, cook for about 5 min.)
  • drain, rinse under cold running water, set aside.
  • OR, place the zapallito halves in a shallow baking pan and bake for 15 min in 375°
  • heat the oil in a medium-size skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring a few times, until softened, about 5 min.
  • Add the tomato, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper and cook until the tomato has formed a sauce, about 10 min.
  • Stir in the ground beef, ham, and peas and continue to cook until the mixture has absorbed all the juices, about 5 min.
  • taste for salt and black pepper, adjust accordingly, remove from the heat, and let cool.
  • squeeze the bread crumbs and add to the meat mixture along with the egg and raisins, mix well.
  • stuff the squash/peppers with this mixture and place in a single layer in a greased baking pan.
  • top with grated cheese. pour salsa blanca over squash/peppers
  • preheat oven to 350°. bake squash until heated through, about 20 min. covered in aluminum foil. serve hot.
  • the usual way to serve this dish is with white rice or mashed potatoes.
  • alternately (instead of using salsa blanca/cheese), if remaining meat mixture, add the beef broth and bring to a boil. if desired, thicken the sauce with the cornstarch mixture to taste. pour the sauce over the squash and cover the pan with aluminum foil.