Tomatoes stuffed with Meat

Tomatoes Stuffed with Meat Recipe from Romania

Region / culture: Romania | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tomatoes stuffed with meat is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of juicy tomatoes and flavorful ground meat makes for a satisfying and comforting meal.

History

This recipe has been enjoyed for generations in many different cultures around the world. Stuffed tomatoes are a popular dish in Mediterranean cuisine, where fresh tomatoes are abundant and often used in cooking. The addition of ground meat to the tomatoes adds protein and richness to the dish.

Ingredients

12 medium tomatoes
1.75 lb / 750 g ground meat
2 onions
2 tbsp rice
1 tbsp lard
chopped parsley and dill
salt
pepper

How to prepare

Wash the tomatoes, dry them, core them, and remove the seeds. Reserve the tops to use as lids.
Mix the meat with two finely chopped raw or fried onions, a tablespoon of lard, rice, chopped parsley, and dill. Season with pepper and salt.
Thoroughly combine all the ingredients and use this mixture to fill the tomatoes.
Arrange the filled tomatoes in a pan and place it in the oven to bake until cooked through.
Serve with sour cream.

Variations

You can add cooked rice or quinoa to the filling for added texture and flavor. You can also top the stuffed tomatoes with cheese before baking for a cheesy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to choose ripe, firm tomatoes for this recipe to ensure they hold their shape when stuffed and baked.

- You can use any type of ground meat for this recipe, such as beef, pork, or turkey, depending on your preference.

- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Tomatoes stuffed with meat can be served as a main dish with a side of salad or crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the stuffed tomatoes in the oven ensures that they cook through evenly and develop a delicious caramelized crust on top.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or beans for a vegetarian version of this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stuffed tomatoes ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This makes it a convenient dish for entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the stuffed tomatoes with fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Tomatoes stuffed with meat pairs well with a light and refreshing white wine or a crisp salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover stuffed tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of tomatoes stuffed with meat contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of tomatoes stuffed with meat contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of tomatoes stuffed with meat contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of tomatoes stuffed with meat contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium, while ground meat provides essential nutrients like iron and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains meat and may not be suitable for individuals with allergies to meat products.

Summary

Tomatoes stuffed with meat is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Tomatoes stuffed with meat is a classic and comforting dish that is sure to please your taste buds. With a flavorful filling and juicy tomatoes, this recipe is a winner for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I rummaged through an old recipe box that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowed index cards and scraps of paper, my eyes landed on a recipe titled "Tomatoes Stuffed with Meat."

I had never heard of such a dish before, and my curiosity was piqued. The recipe was handwritten in faded ink, the letters slightly smudged from years of use. It called for ripe tomatoes, ground meat, onions, garlic, and a variety of herbs and spices. The instructions were simple yet detailed, urging the cook to hollow out the tomatoes and stuff them with a savory meat mixture before baking them to perfection.

I knew immediately that I had to try this recipe, to recreate the flavors and aromas that had been passed down through generations. But first, I needed to uncover the story behind it. I turned to my own mother, hoping she could shed some light on the origins of this intriguing dish.

My mother smiled knowingly as I showed her the recipe card. "Ah, tomatoes stuffed with meat," she said fondly. "That was one of your grandmother's signature dishes. She learned how to make it from her own mother, who in turn learned it from a dear friend who had traveled to Italy and brought back the recipe with her."

I was fascinated by this lineage of flavors and traditions, the way a simple recipe could connect generations and cultures. I set out to make the dish, following the instructions carefully and adding my own touches here and there to make it my own.

As the tomatoes roasted in the oven, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, I felt a sense of pride and nostalgia wash over me. This was more than just a recipe – it was a link to my past, a way to honor the women who came before me and the culinary traditions they had passed down.

When the tomatoes were finally ready, I set the table with care, eager to share this new creation with my family. As we sat down to eat, the flavors of the dish transported us to distant lands and cherished memories. The juicy tomatoes burst with savory goodness, the meat mixture tender and flavorful, a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

My family raved about the dish, declaring it a new favorite and begging me to make it again soon. But for me, the true joy came from knowing that I had brought a piece of my heritage to life, that I had honored the legacy of the women who had taught me the art of cooking with love and passion.

And so, whenever I make tomatoes stuffed with meat, I think of my grandmother and her mother before her, of the stories and traditions woven into each bite. I am grateful for the recipe that led me on this journey of discovery, that allowed me to connect with my past and create new memories to cherish for years to come. Cooking has always been a way for me to express myself and my love for my family, and this recipe has become a special part of that tradition. The moment I found it will always be cherished in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring us together and keep our stories alive.