Stuffed Tomato Recipe - Bursting with Flavorful Goodness

Introduction: 

Stuffed tomatoes are a delightful dish that not only captures the essence of fresh produce but also offers a burst of flavors with a delectable stuffing. This versatile recipe allows you to play with various ingredients, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes. In this article, we'll guide you through a simple yet delicious Stuffed Tomato recipe that makes for an impressive appetizer or a flavorful side dish.

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Ingredients:

For the Stuffed Tomatoes:

6 large tomatoes

1 cup cooked quinoa or rice

1/2 cup finely chopped mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, peas)

1/2 cup crumbled feta or paneer (Indian cottage cheese)

1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro)

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tomato Sauce:

1 cup tomato puree

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preparing the Stuffed Tomatoes:

Hollowing the Tomatoes:

Cut the tops off the tomatoes and carefully scoop out the seeds and pulp using a spoon. Sprinkle the insides with a pinch of salt and set them upside down on a paper towel to drain excess moisture.

Preparing the Filling:

In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa or rice, chopped mixed vegetables, crumbled feta or paneer, chopped herbs, breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a cohesive stuffing.

Stuffing the Tomatoes:

Gently stuff each hollowed tomato with the prepared filling, pressing down slightly to ensure it holds together.

Baking:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender and the stuffing is golden brown.

Preparing the Tomato Sauce:

Sautéing:

In a saucepan, heat olive oil. Add dried oregano and basil, and sauté briefly to release their flavors.

Adding Tomato Puree:

Pour in the tomato puree and simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving:

Plating:

Place the baked Stuffed Tomatoes on a serving platter.

Saucing:

Drizzle the tomato sauce over the stuffed tomatoes.

Garnishing:

Garnish with additional herbs if desired.

Serve:

Serve the Stuffed Tomatoes warm as a delightful appetizer or a flavorful side dish.

Conclusion: 

This Stuffed Tomato recipe offers a perfect blend of freshness, textures, and savory goodness. Whether served as an appetizer at a gathering or as a side dish to complement your main course, these stuffed tomatoes are sure to impress with their vibrant presentation and delicious taste. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of fresh produce in every bite!