Rice-stuffed Tomatoes

Rice-stuffed Tomatoes Recipe | Vegetarian Food from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Rice-stuffed tomatoes are a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of juicy tomatoes with a savory rice filling. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.

History

Rice-stuffed tomatoes have been a popular dish in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. The combination of tomatoes and rice is a classic pairing that is both flavorful and satisfying. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a favorite in many households around the world.

Ingredients

1 package (10 oz / 283 g) of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and undrained
2 cups of hot cooked rice, cooked in chicken broth
0.5 cup of grated parmesan cheese
0.5 tsp of seasoned salt
0.5 tsp of garlic powder
0.5 tsp of dried crushed basil leaves
4 large tomatoes
1 tbsp of olive oil

How to prepare

Purée the spinach in a food processor or blender.
Blend together the spinach, rice, cheese, salt, garlic powder, and basil.
Slice off the tops of the tomatoes.
Scoop out the pulp from the tomatoes.
Spoon the rice mixture into the tomatoes.
Place the tomatoes in a shallow baking dish.
Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes.
Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 15 to 20 minutes.

Variations

Add cooked ground meat or tofu to the rice mixture for extra protein.
Top the tomatoes with breadcrumbs or cheese before baking for a crispy topping.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe, firm tomatoes for this recipe to ensure that they hold their shape during baking.

- Thaw the frozen spinach completely before using it in the recipe to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

- Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the rice mixture for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the rice-stuffed tomatoes with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different texture.

- Substitute feta or mozzarella cheese for the parmesan cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the rice mixture and stuff the tomatoes ahead of time, then bake them just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the rice-stuffed tomatoes with fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair rice-stuffed tomatoes with a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover rice-stuffed tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of rice-stuffed tomatoes contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of rice-stuffed tomatoes contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of rice-stuffed tomatoes contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of rice-stuffed tomatoes contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Rice-stuffed tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (parmesan cheese) and tree nuts (pine nuts). Please be cautious if you have allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Rice-stuffed tomatoes are a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Rice-stuffed tomatoes are a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light meal. With a savory rice filling and juicy tomatoes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I had just gotten back from visiting my dear friend Maria. Maria was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I always left her house feeling inspired and eager to try new recipes.

As I was flipping through my recipe book, I came across a handwritten note tucked away in the back. It was a recipe for rice-stuffed tomatoes that Maria had shared with me during one of our cooking sessions. I remembered how she had carefully guided me through the steps, explaining the importance of using fresh ingredients and seasoning with love.

Excited to try my hand at making this dish on my own, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and got to work. I carefully hollowed out the tomatoes, being sure to save the pulp for later use. I then prepared the rice mixture, combining it with herbs, spices, and a generous amount of grated cheese.

As the tomatoes baked in the oven, the aroma of garlic and basil filled my kitchen, reminding me of the time I spent learning from Maria. I could almost hear her voice guiding me through each step, encouraging me to trust my instincts and add a little extra seasoning here and there.

When the timer finally went off, I pulled the tomatoes out of the oven and marveled at how perfectly they had turned out. The rice was fluffy and flavorful, the cheese melted to perfection, and the tomatoes were cooked to just the right level of tenderness.

I couldn't wait to share this dish with my family. As we sat down to dinner that evening, I proudly presented the rice-stuffed tomatoes, feeling a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the knowledge that Maria had passed down to me.

My husband took the first bite and immediately declared it a new family favorite. My children eagerly dug in, their faces lighting up with each mouthful. I watched with joy as they savored each bite, knowing that I had created something truly special.

From that day on, rice-stuffed tomatoes became a staple in our household. Whenever I made them, I couldn't help but think of Maria and the invaluable lessons she had taught me about cooking with passion and creativity.

Years passed, and I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations along the way. I discovered that by using different types of rice, herbs, and cheeses, I could create a whole new flavor profile that kept my family coming back for more.

As I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, they too fell in love with the dish, marveling at its simplicity and delicious taste. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had the power to bring people together through the magic of food.

Now, as I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day when I first discovered the recipe for rice-stuffed tomatoes, I can't help but feel grateful for all the experiences and memories that have shaped me into the cook I am today. And as I continue to pass down my culinary knowledge to future generations, I know that Maria's spirit lives on in every dish I create.