Baked Stuffed Tomatoes

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes: A Mediterranean Delight Bursting with Flavor 🍅🌿🧀

1. Introduction

Are you searching for a vibrant, healthy, and utterly delicious meal that’s both easy to prepare and impressive to serve? Look no further than this amazing baked stuffed tomatoes recipe! This dish masterfully combines the juicy sweetness of ripe tomatoes with a savory filling of rice, fragrant herbs, and flavorful cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Think of it as sunshine on a plate! Perfect as a light lunch, a satisfying side dish, or even a vegetarian main course, stuffed tomatoes are incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to perfectly suit your personal preferences and dietary needs. This stuffed tomato recipe is not only incredibly tasty, making it a winner at any table, but also packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy any day of the week.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook looking for a new staple or a beginner just starting your culinary journey, this simple-to-follow recipe will guide you through each step with clarity and ease, ensuring perfectly baked tomatoes every single time. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen! Let’s dive right in and discover exactly how to make these absolutely delightful baked stuffed tomatoes! You’ll be surprised how simple it is!

2. Ingredients Needed

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. This will make the whole process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 large, ripe tomatoes (look for ones that are firm but slightly yielding to the touch)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown – your choice! For a nuttier flavor, try brown rice!)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is always best for maximum flavor! You could also try Pecorino Romano)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (fresh basil is key! Its aroma is unbeatable. If you like, add more, because fresh herbs does wonders)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (Italian flat-leaf parsley is my go-to, but curly parsley works too)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp on the garlic! It adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Roasted garlic takes the flavor to another level, try our Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce recipe.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin olive oil is best for both flavor and health benefits)
• Salt and pepper to taste (seasoning is crucial! Don’t be afraid to be generous)
• Optional: 1/4 cup breadcrumbs for topping (adds a nice crunchy texture. Panko breadcrumbs work great!)

3. Equipment Required

Having the right equipment on hand will make preparing this dish even easier. Here’s what I recommend:

• Baking dish (choose one that’s large enough to hold all four tomatoes comfortably)
• Knife (a sharp knife will make slicing the tomatoes easier and safer)
• Mixing bowl (for combining the filling ingredients)
• Spoon (for scooping out the tomato pulp and stuffing the tomatoes)
• Small saucepan (if you need to cook the rice – or, to spice things up, you could use quinoa! Why not trying this Mango Quinoa Salad?

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part! Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious baked stuffed tomatoes.

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, wash the tomatoes thoroughly and carefully slice off the tops. Using a spoon (a grapefruit spoon works particularly well), gently scoop out the pulp from the insides of the tomatoes, being careful to leave a sturdy shell intact. Don’t discard the pulp! You can reserve it to use in a future batch of flavorful sauces or hearty soups later on. Season the inside of each tomato generously with a little salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the hollowed baked tomatoes in your prepared baking dish, arranging them so they stand upright.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice (make sure it’s cooled slightly), grated Parmesan cheese, freshly chopped basil, freshly chopped parsley, and minced garlic. Add one tablespoon of high-quality olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper to your individual taste. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are very well combined. This flavorful filling is truly what makes these stuffed tomatoes so incredibly delicious, so don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. For another layer of flavor, consider adding a dollop of Green Goddess Dressing!

Step 3: Stuff the Tomatoes

Carefully fill each tomato with the prepared rice mixture, pressing gently to pack it in firmly but without squashing the tomato. If desired, sprinkle a light dusting of breadcrumbs on top of each tomato for a delightful, slightly crunchy texture. This simple step is absolutely crucial to ensuring that each stuffed tomato recipe is absolutely bursting with flavor and has the perfect textural balance.

Step 4: Bake the Tomatoes

Generously drizzle the tops of the baked stuffed tomatoes with the remaining olive oil – this will help them get beautifully golden brown and adds extra flavor. Then, carefully pour a small amount of water into the bottom of the baking dish (about 1/4 inch should suffice) to prevent the tomatoes from drying out during baking. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are wonderfully tender and the tops are a beautiful golden brown color. Once they’re done, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and let the tomatoes cool slightly before serving. This will prevent you from burning your mouth! Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your homemade baked stuffed tomatoes recipe.

5. Tips and Variations

The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to customize! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses to create unique flavor profiles. Try using creamy mozzarella for a classic touch, tangy feta for a Mediterranean twist, or rich goat cheese for a more sophisticated flavor.
• Protein Boost: Transform this into a heartier meal by adding cooked ground beef, savory sausage, or earthy lentils to the filling. Make sure the protein is cooked beforehand.
• Vegetable Additions: Boost the nutritional content and add more flavor by incorporating finely chopped vegetables such as zucchini, colorful bell peppers, or earthy mushrooms into the rice mixture. Consider Grilled Vegetable Kebabs for inspiration!
• Herb Options: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fresh herbs to create different aromatic twists. Try using fragrant oregano, earthy thyme, or woodsy rosemary instead of, or in addition to, the basil and parsley.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a subtle kick of heat that will awaken your taste buds.

For more variations, you can find more ideas on this Baked Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe.

6. Serving Suggestions

Baked stuffed tomatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served in a multitude of delightful ways. They make a fantastic light lunch option, especially when paired with a simple green salad. Alternatively, they can be served as a satisfying side dish alongside grilled chicken, flaky fish, or a hearty salad. For a completely vegetarian main course, serve them with a generous side of crusty bread – perfect for soaking up all those delicious, flavorful juices. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as extra basil or parsley, for an extra touch of elegance and visual appeal. Consider serving with Roasted Carrot Hummus for a burst of extra flavor!

7. Health Benefits

This stuffed tomato recipe isn’t just incredibly delicious – it’s also packed with numerous health benefits. Tomatoes are well-known for being rich in powerful antioxidants, most notably lycopene, which has been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancers. The rice provides a good source of sustained energy thanks to its carbohydrate content, while the cheese contributes essential calcium and protein. And let’s not forget the fresh herbs, which are brimming with vital vitamins and minerals. All these elements combine to create a nutritious and incredibly well-rounded meal that you can feel good about eating.

8. Storage Instructions

In the unlikely event that you have leftovers (they’re usually devoured!), store the baked stuffed tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a maximum of 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the oven for the best results, or if you’re short on time, the microwave will also work. They are undeniably best enjoyed fresh, but they still retain their wonderful flavor and texture the next day. If you love roasted flavor, try these Roasted Recipes!

9. Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve just successfully learned how to make a truly delightful and wonderfully healthy baked stuffed tomatoes recipe! This vibrant and versatile dish is absolutely perfect for any occasion, whether you’re seeking a quick and easy weeknight meal for the family or an impressive and flavorful dish to serve to your valued guests. With its vibrant Mediterranean flavors, customizable ingredients, and simple preparation, this stuffed tomato recipe is guaranteed to become a brand new favorite in your ever-expanding culinary repertoire. So, what are you waiting for? Gather all of your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to embark on a flavorful culinary adventure and enjoy a taste of the sunny Mediterranean!

If you enjoy cooking with vegetables, check out more vegetable recipes and all our recipes for more inspiration.

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