Stuffed tomatoes with meat and rice

Delicious Recipe: Stuffed Tomatoes with Meat and Rice

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Who doesn't love the fresh flavors and varied textures of stuffed tomatoes? This dish is a true delight, bringing together the tastes of meat, rice, and spices, all enveloped in the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes. A simple yet impressive recipe that can be served with rich sour cream and a pan sauce. Let's see how we can transform simple ingredients into a memorable dish!

Basic ingredients:

- 500 g minced meat (a mix of pork and beef is ideal)
- 100-150 g rice (preferably long-grain rice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 medium red onion
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- Oregano or thyme (to taste)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 8-10 large tomatoes (choose ripe and firm tomatoes)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Paprika (for added flavor)

History of the recipe:

Stuffed tomatoes are a traditional dish, appreciated in many cultures. Of course, each region has its own version, adapted to the locally available ingredients. It is a versatile recipe, perfect for using fresh tomatoes from the garden. This recipe is not only tasty but also an excellent way to bring family and friends together at the table.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the tomatoes:
- Wash the tomatoes under cold running water.
- Carefully cut off the tops and scoop out the insides with a spoon or small knife, being careful not to break them. Leave the tomatoes upside down to drain well.

2. Preparing the filling:
- Put the scooped-out insides of the tomatoes in a blender and turn them into juice. This juice will be used later to flavor the filling.
- In a pan, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, add the finely chopped onion, and sauté over medium heat until it becomes translucent.
- Add the rice and sauté it together with the onion for a few minutes. This helps the rice absorb the flavors.
- Pour in a few tablespoons of tomato juice, add salt, and let it simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Mixing the ingredients:
- In a large bowl, place the minced meat. Add the cooled rice mixture, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. If desired, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of tomato juice for a more intense flavor.

4. Stuffing the tomatoes:
- Sprinkle a little salt inside each tomato.
- Fill them with the mixture obtained, being careful not to overstuff them. Replace the tops.

5. Baking:
- In a greased baking dish, place the stuffed tomatoes. Pour the remaining tomato juice, a cup of water, salt, and oregano or thyme.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 200°C for 1 hour and 30 minutes. This step is essential for allowing the rice to cook evenly and for the flavors to penetrate the tomatoes.
- In the last 15 minutes, remove the foil to allow the tomatoes to brown nicely.

6. Serving:
- Finally, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the stuffed tomatoes with the sauce from the dish and a generous spoonful of sour cream on top. This detail adds a creamy contrast that makes the dish even more delicious.

Useful tips:

- Choose tomatoes of similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Experiment with different types of meat: chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian version with vegetables and feta cheese.
- If you want a spicier taste, add chopped chili pepper to the filling.
- You can serve this dish alongside a fresh green salad or mashed potatoes to complete the meal.

Nutritional information:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the meat and contains carbohydrates from the rice. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants. Eating tomatoes can contribute to cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use cherry tomatoes for this recipe?
- Yes, but make sure to adjust the cooking time as cherry tomatoes cook faster.

2. Can I prepare the stuffed tomatoes a day in advance?
- Yes, you can stuff them a day in advance and keep them in the refrigerator. The next day, you can bake them straight from the fridge.

3. What other spices can I add?
- You can experiment with herbs like basil or sage to add a different aromatic note.

This stuffed tomatoes recipe with meat and rice is not only a delicious dish but also an opportunity to bring family and friends together for a tasty meal. So, let's enjoy every bite and turn simple ingredients into memorable moments!