Mediterranean inspired Stuffed Tomatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Combination: The fusion of juicy tomatoes, tangy goat cheese, and fresh herbs creates a mouthwatering taste experience.

• Versatility: Ideal as a main course or a side dish, these stuffed tomatoes complement a variety of meals.

• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein, this dish is both delicious and nutritious.

• Aesthetic Appeal: The vibrant colors and elegant presentation make it a visually appealing addition to your table.

Ingredients

• 6 large ripe truss tomatoes

• 1 cup arborio rice

• 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 150g good quality goat cheese

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Slice the tops off the tomatoes and carefully scoop out the flesh, ensuring the skins remain intact. Reserve the tomato flesh.

2. Blend the Filling: Place the reserved tomato flesh in a blender and process until smooth. In a bowl, combine the blended tomato, uncooked arborio rice, chopped parsley, dried oregano, crumbled goat cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the stuffing.

3. Stuff the Tomatoes: Fill each hollowed tomato with the prepared mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling.

4. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Arrange the stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish, drizzle with a little extra olive oil, and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the tomatoes are soft.

5. Serve: Allow the stuffed tomatoes to cool slightly before serving. They pair well with a fresh green salad or crusty bread.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields 6 stuffed tomatoes, serving 3 to 6 people depending on portion sizes.

• Preparation Time: Approximately 20 minutes.

• Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes.

Variations

• Grain Alternatives: Substitute arborio rice with quinoa, couscous, or bulgur wheat for a different texture and flavor.

• Cheese Options: Replace goat cheese with feta, mozzarella, or ricotta to suit your taste preferences.

• Protein Addition: Incorporate cooked ground beef, lamb, or turkey into the stuffing mixture for a heartier meal.

• Herb Enhancements: Experiment with fresh basil, mint, or rosemary to add unique herbal notes to the dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Place cooled stuffed tomatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Arrange the stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes per tomato.

FAQs

How do I prevent the tomatoes from becoming too watery during baking?

To reduce excess moisture, lightly salt the interior of the hollowed tomatoes and let them drain upside down on a paper towel for a few minutes before stuffing.

Can I prepare stuffed tomatoes in advance?

Yes, assemble the stuffed tomatoes ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. Bake them within 24 hours to maintain freshness.

Is it necessary to cook the rice before stuffing the tomatoes?

No, using uncooked arborio rice allows it to absorb the tomato juices during baking, enhancing the flavor and achieving a desirable texture.

What type of tomatoes work best for this recipe?

Large, firm varieties like truss or beefsteak tomatoes are ideal due to their size and ability to hold the stuffing without collapsing.

Can I freeze stuffed tomatoes?

Freezing stuffed tomatoes is not recommended, as the texture of the tomatoes may become mushy upon thawing.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Replace goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it entirely, and ensure any additional ingredients align with a vegan diet.

What side dishes complement stuffed tomatoes?

Stuffed tomatoes pair well with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light pasta dish.

Can I use other fillings besides rice?

Absolutely, consider using couscous, quinoa, or even lentils as alternative fillings for varied flavors and textures.

How do I keep the stuffing from spilling out during baking?

Avoid overfilling the tomatoes and gently press the stuffing inside to secure it. Placing the tops back on the tomatoes can also help contain the filling.

What herbs pair well with stuffed tomatoes?

Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, oregano, and mint complement the flavors of stuffed tomatoes beautifully.

Conclusion

Mediterranean-inspired stuffed tomatoes are a flavorful and versatile dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Mediterranean inspired Stuffed Tomatoes

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• Author: Julia
• Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the rich, Mediterranean flavors of these stuffed tomatoes, filled with arborio rice, creamy goat cheese, and aromatic herbs. This easy and nutritious dish is perfect as a main course or side, offering a delightful balance of textures and tastes.

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Ingredients

• 6 large ripe truss tomatoes
• 1 cup arborio rice
• ½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 150g goat cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

• Prepare the Tomatoes

  • Slice off the tops of the tomatoes and carefully scoop out the flesh, keeping the skins intact.
  • Reserve the tomato flesh.

• Make the Filling

  • Blend the reserved tomato flesh until smooth.
  • In a bowl, mix the blended tomato, arborio rice, parsley, oregano, crumbled goat cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

• Stuff the Tomatoes

  • Fill each hollowed-out tomato with the mixture, pressing it down slightly.

• Bake

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Arrange stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 45-50 minutes, until rice is tender.

• Serve

  • Let cool slightly before serving. Pairs well with salad or crusty bread.

Notes

• Grain Substitutes: Swap arborio rice with quinoa, couscous, or bulgur wheat.
• Cheese Alternatives: Use feta, mozzarella, or ricotta.
• Protein Boost: Add cooked ground beef, lamb, or turkey.
• Herb Variations: Try basil, mint, or rosemary.
• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes or microwave for 2-3 minutes per tomato.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean