Yemistes Domates me Htapodi kai Rizi

Yemistes Domates me Htapodi kai Rizi Recipe - Greek Stuffed Tomatoes with Octopus and Rice

Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Introduction

Yemistes Domates me Htapodi kai Rizi is a traditional Greek dish that features stuffed tomatoes with octopus and rice. This flavorful and hearty dish is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Greek households, with each family adding their own twist to the dish. The combination of fresh tomatoes, tender octopus, and aromatic rice creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

8 medium-sized tomatoes
1 kg octopus, cut into very small pieces
1 onion, finely chopped
4 potatoes, cut into small pieces
1 tea cup of rice
2 spoons of tomato paste
3 chestnuts, cut into small pieces
some pine nuts
a pinch of cinnamon
olive oil
salt
pepper

How to prepare

Slice the top off the tomatoes.
Use a spoon to remove the insides, being careful not to score the skin. Save the tomato insides for the stuffing.
Season the inside of the tomatoes with salt and pepper, then place them in a baking pan.
Arrange the potatoes around the tomatoes.

Stuffing

Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté the onions with the octopus pieces.
Add the preserved tomato, tomato paste, chestnuts, pine nuts, cinnamon, rice, salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and stuff the tomatoes with a small spoon. Avoid over-stuffing as the rice will expand during baking.
Pour plenty of olive oil into the baking pan and bake at 200°C for 1 hour without adding any water.

Variations

Substitute the octopus with shrimp or calamari for a different seafood twist.
Add feta cheese to the stuffing mixture for a creamy and tangy flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to season the inside of the tomatoes with salt and pepper before stuffing to enhance the flavor.

- Avoid over-stuffing the tomatoes with the filling, as the rice will expand during baking.

- Baking the dish at a high temperature ensures that the tomatoes are cooked through and the flavors are well-developed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Yemistes Domates me Htapodi kai Rizi with a side of Greek salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking at a high temperature ensures that the tomatoes are cooked through and the flavors are well-developed.

Ingredient Substitutions

If octopus is not available, you can use squid or shrimp instead.

- You can substitute pine nuts with chopped almonds or walnuts.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stuffing mixture in advance and stuff the tomatoes just before baking to save time.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Yemistes Domates me Htapodi kai Rizi with a glass of crisp white wine, such as Assyrtiko or Moschofilero.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Yemistes Domates me Htapodi kai Rizi contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Yemistes Domates me Htapodi kai Rizi contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Yemistes Domates me Htapodi kai Rizi contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Yemistes Domates me Htapodi kai Rizi contains approximately 20g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the tomatoes and octopus, as well as iron and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains seafood (octopus) and nuts (pine nuts), so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Yemistes Domates me Htapodi kai Rizi is a well-balanced dish that provides a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Yemistes Domates me Htapodi kai Rizi is a delicious and satisfying dish that showcases the flavors of Greece in every bite. Whether you're looking for a special occasion meal or a comforting family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Yemistes Domates me Htapodi kai Rizi. It was many years ago, during a trip to Greece, that I had the pleasure of tasting this delicious dish for the first time. The combination of stuffed tomatoes with octopus and rice was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I knew immediately that I needed to learn how to make it myself.

I was staying in a small village on the coast, where the locals were known for their incredible seafood dishes. One evening, I was invited to dinner at a neighbor's home, and they served me this amazing dish. The flavors were so vibrant and fresh, and I knew that I had to learn how to recreate it.

After the meal, I asked my host for the recipe, and she graciously agreed to teach me how to make it. We spent the next afternoon in her kitchen, as she guided me through the process of preparing the dish. She showed me how to clean and cook the octopus, how to stuff the tomatoes with a mixture of rice, herbs, and spices, and how to bake everything together until it was perfectly tender and flavorful.

As I watched her work, I was struck by the care and attention to detail that she put into each step of the recipe. It was clear that this dish was a labor of love for her, and I knew that I wanted to bring that same passion into my own cooking.

When I returned home from my trip, I immediately set to work mastering the recipe for Yemistes Domates me Htapodi kai Rizi. I spent hours in my own kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques until I had perfected my own version of the dish.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times for family and friends, and it has become a beloved favorite in my household. The flavors of the stuffed tomatoes, tender octopus, and fragrant rice never fail to transport me back to that small village on the coast of Greece, where I first discovered this incredible dish.

I have since shared the recipe with many others, passing on the tradition of Yemistes Domates me Htapodi kai Rizi to the next generation. Each time I make it, I am reminded of the joy and camaraderie that food can bring, and I am grateful for the memories and friendships that this recipe has brought into my life.

As I grow older, I know that this recipe will continue to hold a special place in my heart, as a reminder of the beauty and richness of the culinary traditions that I have been fortunate enough to experience. And I hope that, one day, my own grandchildren will carry on the tradition of making this dish, and that it will bring them as much joy and fulfillment as it has brought me.