Stuffed Tomatoes with Couscous

We start this delicious recipe by preparing the couscous, a versatile and easy-to-cook ingredient. In a bowl, we add the couscous, a generous pinch of salt, olive oil, and 200 ml of boiling water. We gently mix the ingredients and let the couscous swell for 5 minutes, covering the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap to retain the heat.

While the couscous rests, we turn our attention to the tomatoes. We choose well-ripened tomatoes that will provide both flavor and an appetizing look to our dish. We cut off the top of each tomato, forming a lid, and use a teaspoon to carefully scoop out the flesh from inside, being careful not to break the walls of the tomatoes. The scooped flesh will be used later in the filling, so we do not throw it away.

The next step is to deal with the bacon. We cut it into small cubes and place it in a hot pan, where we brown it until it becomes crispy and delicious. The aroma of the bacon will perfectly blend with the other ingredients. Once the bacon is ready, we remove the pan from the heat and add the swollen couscous. To this mixture, we add the chopped tomato flesh, grated cheese, and finely chopped parsley. We season to taste with salt and pepper, mixing well to integrate all the flavors.

Now that the filling is ready, we turn our attention to our tomatoes. We place them in a baking dish, filling each tomato with the couscous mixture, being careful not to overload them. To prevent the tomatoes from drying out during baking, we pour a cup of water into the baking dish. This step will help maintain moisture and ensure that the tomatoes remain tender.

We place the dish in the preheated oven at medium temperature and let the dish bake for 45 minutes. The aroma that will fill the kitchen during this time will be simply irresistible. Once the time is up, we carefully remove the dish from the oven.

It is recommended to serve the stuffed tomatoes warm, drizzled with a rice cream, which will add a touch of finesse and a pleasant contrast to the rich taste of the filling. This dish is not only an explosion of flavors but also a beautiful presentation, perfect for a special dinner or a family lunch. Enjoy every bite!