Here’s a recipe for Baked Tomatoes Stuffed with Rice and Herbs—a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect as a side or a main course.
Ingredients:
- 6 large ripe tomatoes
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water (for cooking rice)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the rice:
- Cook the rice according to package instructions using vegetable broth or water. Set aside.
2. Prepare the tomatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut off the tops of the tomatoes and carefully scoop out the insides with a spoon, leaving the skins intact. Reserve the tomato pulp.
- Lightly salt the inside of the tomatoes and place them upside down on paper towels to drain while you prepare the stuffing.
3. Prepare the stuffing:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, chopped parsley, basil, pine nuts or walnuts (if using), Parmesan cheese (if using), dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
4. Stuff the tomatoes:
- Carefully spoon the rice mixture into each tomato, packing it lightly.
- Place the stuffed tomatoes upright in a baking dish.
5. Bake:
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the stuffed tomatoes.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the tops are slightly crispy.
6. Serve:
- Allow the tomatoes to cool slightly before serving.
Tips:
- You can add other vegetables to the stuffing, such as finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms, for extra flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a more tangy filling, you can mix in some crumbled feta cheese or add a splash of lemon juice.
Baked Tomatoes Stuffed with Rice and Herbs is a flavorful and versatile dish that makes for a beautiful presentation and a tasty meal. Enjoy!
