Zesty Mediterranean Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe: A Flavorful Journey

Vibrant summer gardens burst with ripe tomatoes, perfect for crafting delectable Mediterranean stuffed tomatoes that dance with rich, herbaceous flavors.

These colorful gems blend traditional Greek and Italian culinary techniques into one stunning dish.

Plump tomatoes become elegant vessels filled with a savory mixture of rice, herbs, and aromatic spices that sing of sunny coastal landscapes.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through Mediterranean cuisine, balancing fresh ingredients with hearty, comforting textures.

The recipe transforms simple produce into an extraordinary meal that feels both elegant and rustic.

Served warm or at room temperature, these stuffed tomatoes make an irresistible side or light main course that will impress anyone gathering around your table.

Grab your ingredients and let’s create a Mediterranean masterpiece that celebrates summer’s bounty.

How to Prepare Mediterranean Stuffed Tomatoes Like a Pro

• Tomato Preparation Garden-fresh tomatoes get ready for their delicious transformation. Select ripe, firm tomatoes with smooth skin and vibrant color. Gently remove their tops and carefully hollow out the insides, creating delicate edible vessels.
• Flavor Foundation Sizzling onions and aromatic garlic dance together in a hot skillet. Warm spices like paprika and cumin join the party, creating a rich, fragrant base that promises incredible taste.
• Rice Symphony Fluffy grains simmer in a savory liquid, absorbing deep Mediterranean flavors. Each grain becomes tender and infused with the essence of herbs and vegetable broth.
• Bean and Herb Magic Black beans add hearty texture while fresh parsley brings bright, green notes. The mixture becomes a colorful, exciting filling bursting with nutrition and zest.
• Baking Brilliance Stuffed tomatoes nestle into the oven, transforming into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Soft edges, bubbling filling, and golden hints signal they're perfectly cooked and ready to enchant hungry diners.

Tips & Creative Variations for Mediterranean Stuffed Tomatoes

• Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, diced chicken, or plant-based ground meat to create a more substantial and filling meal that satisfies diverse dietary needs.
• Develop your own signature spice mix by adding smoked paprika, za'atar, or dried oregano to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile and create a personalized taste experience.
• Prepare the stuffed tomatoes in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving – perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests with minimal last-minute cooking stress.

Serving Ideas for Mediterranean Stuffed Tomatoes

• Serve with Fresh Greens: Pair the stuffed tomatoes with a crisp mixed salad dressed in light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Top with Creamy Feta: Crumble tangy feta cheese over the warm tomatoes to add a delightful Mediterranean touch and creamy texture.
• Create a Complete Meal: Accompany the stuffed tomatoes with a side of grilled chicken or roasted fish to boost protein and make it a satisfying dinner.
• Garnish with Extra Herbs: Sprinkle additional fresh chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving to enhance the aromatic flavors and add a bright green accent.

Planning Ahead & Storing Mediterranean Stuffed Tomatoes

• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop vegetables and cook rice mixture up to 2 days before filling tomatoes, storing separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator for quick assembly.
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Double the recipe and freeze unbaked stuffed tomatoes in airtight containers for up to 3 months, perfect for easy future meals.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store cooked Mediterranean stuffed tomatoes in sealed containers for 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and delicious for quick lunch or dinner options.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or thawed stuffed tomatoes in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 196 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients to Make Mediterranean Stuffed Tomatoes

• Tomatoes: Vibrant vessels that serve as edible containers, select ripe, firm tomatoes with smooth skin and no blemishes.
• Rice: Hearty grain providing substance and texture, choose long-grain white rice for best absorption of flavors.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic duo creating depth and complexity, opt for fresh bulbs with firm texture and no soft spots.
• Paprika, Cumin, Italian Seasoning: Spice blend delivering Mediterranean warmth, use fresh ground spices for maximum potency.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents balancing and elevating overall taste profile.

• Avocado Oil: Healthy cooking medium with subtle, smooth flavor, select cold-pressed varieties for superior quality.
• Vegetable Broth: Liquid base adding moisture and richness, choose low-sodium version for better control of salt content.
• Black Beans: Protein-packed legume providing creamy texture and nutritional value, rinse canned beans thoroughly.
• Parsley: Fresh herb adding bright, green notes and visual appeal, select crisp, vibrant leaves.

Tools for Prepping Mediterranean Stuffed Tomatoes Right

• Skillet: Essential for sautéing onions and garlic with spices.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing tomato tops and chopping ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for precise tomato preparation and cutting herbs.
• Mixing bowl: Great for combining tomato flesh and mixing rice filling.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add salt, pepper, and spices.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring rice and mixing ingredients.
• Sheet pan: Provides a stable surface for baking stuffed tomatoes.
• Vegetable broth measuring cup: Used for adding precise liquid to rice.

Vibrant Mediterranean Stuffed Tomatoes

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean stuffed tomatoes deliver a delightful blend of fresh ingredients from Greece. Mediterranean herbs and feta cheese create a simple, flavorful dish you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 large tomatoes
• 15 oz black beans (canned, rinsed and drained)
• ½ cup basmati rice (rinsed well and drained)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 2 tbsps avocado oil
• 1 cup vegetable broth (or water)
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice tomato tops, reserving lids, and carefully hollow out interiors, transferring pulp to a mixing bowl.
2. Shell Treatment: Sprinkle salt inside tomato shells and drain upside down to remove excess moisture, ensuring a firm structure for stuffing.
3. Flavor Base: Heat avocado oil in a skillet, sauté onions, garlic, paprika, cumin, and Italian seasoning until onions turn translucent and release aromatic notes.
4. Rice Infusion: Add uncooked rice to the skillet, toast briefly to enhance flavor, then incorporate reserved tomato pulp and vegetable broth. Simmer covered until rice becomes tender and liquid absorbs.
5. Filling Enhancement: Integrate black beans and fresh parsley into the rice mixture, creating a robust and colorful stuffing with balanced textures and flavors.
6. Assembly: Generously fill each tomato shell with the prepared rice mixture, replace tomato lids, and arrange on a baking sheet.
7. Baking Finale: Roast in preheated oven for 25-35 minutes until tomatoes soften and filling reaches optimal temperature, delivering a Mediterranean-inspired culinary experience.

Notes

• Tomato Selection: Choose firm, ripe tomatoes with thick walls for better structural integrity and easier stuffing.
• Moisture Removal: Draining tomato shells prevents soggy filling and ensures a crisp, appetizing texture.
• Spice Balancing: Toast spices briefly to intensify their flavors and create a more complex, aromatic stuffing profile.
• Serving Suggestion: Garnish with extra fresh parsley or crumbled feta cheese for added freshness and Mediterranean flair.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 196
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg