Tomates Rellenos - Stuffed Tomatoes
Tomates Rellenos Recipe from Uruguay with Juicy Onions and Fragrant Herbs
Introduction
Tomates Rellenos, or Stuffed Tomatoes, is a classic Spanish dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. This dish is filled with a delicious combination of potatoes, eggs, tuna, and olives, all topped with a creamy mayonnaise dressing. It is a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests.
History
Tomates Rellenos has been a popular dish in Spain for many years. It is believed to have originated in the Andalusian region of Spain, where fresh tomatoes are abundant. The dish has since spread throughout the country and is now enjoyed by people all over the world.
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes
- 4 eggs
- 1 can of Spanish tuna (in oil)
- mayonnaise made with 2 yolks
- and 1 cup of oil
- 100 g of black olives
- 4 slices of ham (optional)
- salt
How to prepare
- Peel and halve the potatoes, then boil them.
- Cook the hard-boiled eggs.
- Halve the tomatoes, remove the seeds, let them drain, then sprinkle with salt and add the can of tuna in oil.
- Arrange the potatoes, halved eggs, stuffed tomatoes in a dish. Cover all the ingredients with mayonnaise, garnish with olives to taste, and place rolled ham (if using) around the dish.
Variations
- Add chopped bell peppers or onions to the filling for extra flavor.
- Use canned salmon or chicken instead of tuna for a different twist.
- Top with grated cheese before baking for a cheesy finish.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender, but not mushy.
- Use high-quality Spanish olive oil for the best flavor.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tomates Rellenos as a light lunch or dinner with a side salad and crusty bread.
Cooking Techniques
Boil the potatoes until fork-tender.
- Cook the eggs until hard-boiled.
- Drain the tomatoes before stuffing to prevent them from becoming too watery.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
- Substitute green olives for black olives for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the filling for Tomates Rellenos ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the stuffed tomatoes on a bed of lettuce for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve Tomates Rellenos with a crisp white wine, such as a Spanish Albariño or Verdejo.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Tomates Rellenos contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Tomates Rellenos contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Tomates Rellenos contains approximately 15 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Tomates Rellenos contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Tomates Rellenos is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.
Alergens
This recipe contains eggs and mayonnaise, which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Tomates Rellenos is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.
Summary
Tomates Rellenos is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With a flavorful combination of potatoes, eggs, tuna, and olives, topped with a creamy mayonnaise dressing, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Spain. My grandmother, who was a fantastic cook, had invited me into her kitchen to help her prepare a special dinner for our family.
As she handed me a ripe tomato and a sharp knife, she began to explain how to make a dish called Tomates Rellenos. Stuffed tomatoes, she called it in English. I had never heard of such a thing before, but I was eager to learn.
She showed me how to carefully slice off the top of the tomato and scoop out the insides, leaving a hollow shell. Then, she mixed together a savory filling of ground beef, rice, onions, garlic, and herbs. The aroma that wafted from the skillet as she cooked the filling was heavenly.
Once the filling was ready, she spooned it into the hollowed-out tomatoes and topped them with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and a drizzle of olive oil. Then, she placed them in the oven to bake until the tomatoes were soft and the filling was golden brown.
When she pulled the dish out of the oven and placed it on the table, the entire family gathered around to admire her handiwork. The stuffed tomatoes looked so beautiful and smelled so delicious that we could hardly wait to dig in.
As we sat down to eat, the flavors of the dish exploded in my mouth. The juicy tomatoes paired perfectly with the savory filling, creating a symphony of tastes and textures that left me craving more. I couldn't believe that such a simple dish could be so incredibly delicious.
From that day on, Tomates Rellenos became a regular feature on our family's dinner table. Whenever we had guests over, my grandmother would proudly serve her signature dish, and it never failed to impress.
Over the years, I have made my own tweaks to the recipe, adding a dash of paprika here or a sprinkle of cheese there. But the basic technique remains the same, passed down through generations of my family.
I have also shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all been amazed by its simplicity and flavor. It brings me so much joy to see their faces light up as they take their first bite of a perfectly cooked stuffed tomato.
To this day, whenever I make Tomates Rellenos, I am transported back to that tiny kitchen in Spain, where my grandmother first taught me how to make this incredible dish. It reminds me of the love and care she poured into every meal she made, and inspires me to do the same for my own loved ones.
In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, it is comforting to have recipes like Tomates Rellenos that connect us to our past and remind us of the simple pleasures in life. I will always be grateful to my grandmother for introducing me to this amazing dish, and for inspiring me to become the cook that I am today.