Stuffed Tomatoes (Gemista)

Stuffed Tomatoes, known as Gemista in Greek cuisine, is a flavorful dish that combines juicy tomatoes filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and raisins. This vegetarian dish serves as a versatile main course or side, featuring the freshness of parsley and mint. The trick to delicious Gemista is picking ripe tomatoes and baking them until soft, enhancing the medley of herbs and sweet raisins. With a balance of textures and tastes, this dish offers a delightful culinary experience, perfect for those who appreciate the aromatic and fresh flavors of Mediterranean cooking.

Ingredients

• 6 medium tomatoes
• 1 cup rice, cooked
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the tomatoes and scoop out the insides, setting them aside. Sprinkle the insides of the tomatoes with a little salt to enhance flavor.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, parsley, mint, onion, garlic, olive oil, raisins, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Stuff each tomato shell with the rice mixture, packing it lightly to ensure even cooking. Place the filled tomatoes in a baking dish, ensuring they are upright and stable.
5. Drizzle the tops with a little more olive oil. Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to become tender and slightly caramelized.
7. Let the stuffed tomatoes cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature.

Keywords: Rice, Olive Oil

Spice Rack: Salt, Black Pepper

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