Stuffed Tomatoes with Meat and Vegetables

This delightful recipe features juicy tomatoes filled with a savory mix of minced meat, rice, and vegetables. It's a comforting and nutritious dish that's perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The stuffed tomatoes offer a wonderful balance of flavors, with the meat providing rich, hearty notes, while the vegetables add freshness and a slight crunch. This dish can be easily customized to suit different dietary needs by changing the fillings. Preparing these stuffed tomatoes might take a little time, but the result is truly rewarding. It's a creative way to use fresh produce, and the presentation is impressive enough to wow your guests. Whether you're a novice cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is an enjoyable challenge. It's also a great way to get kids involved in cooking, as they can help stuff the tomatoes. Serve these flavorful tomatoes with a simple salad or crusty bread for a complete meal that will leave everyone satisfied. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors in this comforting dish!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 6 Tomatoes
• 200 g Minced Meat
• 1 Egg
• 2 Handfuls of Cooked Rice
• 1 Paprika
• 1/2 Onion
• Small Clove of Garlic

Spices and Sauces

• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation Time

Total Time: 40 minutes (prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (about 390°F).
2. Cut off the tops of the tomatoes to create 'lids' and scoop out the insides. Set the fleshy part aside for later use.
3. Cook the rice according to the package instructions until tender. Drain and let cool.
4. Chop the onion, garlic, and paprika into small cubes.
5. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a bit of oil.
6. Add the chopped onion and paprika to the pan and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
7. Mix the cooled rice with the minced meat in a large bowl.
8. Add the sautéed vegetables to the meat and rice mixture, stirring together until well combined.
9. Crack the egg into the mixture, adding salt and pepper to taste, and mix thoroughly.
10. Spoon the filling into each hollowed-out tomato, pressing down gently to fit as much filling as possible.
11. Place the tomato caps back on top to create a 'lid'.
12. Arrange the stuffed tomatoes on a baking tray.
13. Place the baking tray in the preheated oven.
14. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are cooked through and soft to the touch.
15. Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving.
16. Serve warm with a side of your choice.
17. Enjoy your delicious homemade stuffed tomatoes!
18. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped herbs for added flavor.
19. Remember to save the leftover tomato insides for use in a sauce or soup.
20. Feel free to experiment with extra spices like cumin or parsley for a unique twist.

Tips

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the minced meat with lentils or chopped mushrooms.
• Experiment with herbs, such as basil or oregano, for added flavor.
• If you enjoy spice, add a dash of chili powder or some chopped jalapeños to the filling.
• These stuffed tomatoes pair well with a green salad or roasted vegetables.

Nutritions (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 150
• Protein: 10 g
• Fats: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g

Variations

• Vegetarian: Use lentils or beans instead of minced meat.
• Low-carb: Skip the rice and use cauliflower rice or grated zucchini.
• Spicy: Add jalapeños or chili flakes for extra heat.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
• Serve with crusty bread or roasted potato wedges.

Best Places

• Cafe Tomato - Known for its creative tomato-based dishes. Location: 15 Tomato Lane, Rome, Italy.
• The Stuffed Pepper Inn - Offers a wide variety of stuffed vegetable dishes. Location: 37 Pepper Street, Athens, Greece.
• Tomato Town - Famous for its hearty stuffed tomatoes. Location: 22 Market Road, San Francisco, USA.
• Mediterranean Flavors - Specializes in Mediterranean stuffed vegetables. Location: 10 Olive Avenue, Barcelona, Spain.
• Greenhouse Cafe - Focuses on healthy, vegetable-centric meals. Location: 8 Garden Drive, Sydney, Australia.
• Tomatina Bistro - A small café celebrated for its fresh and creative tomato dishes. Location: 45 Orchard Street, Dublin, Ireland.
• Stuffers Delight - Offers diverse stuffed vegetable options. Location: 29 Spice Walk, Istanbul, Turkey.
• The Veggie Grill - Known for its grilled and stuffed vegetable platters. Location: 60 Flame View, Cape Town, South Africa.
• Sunset Café - Renowned for its seasonal vegetable creations. Location: 72 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, USA.
• Herb & Veggie Haven - Offers gourmet vegetarian dishes. Location: 14 Leaf Lane, Toronto, Canada.