Rice-stuffed tomatoes
Stuffed vegetables - peppers, courgette, aubergine or tomatoes - are a fun, imaginative and unusual way to tempt those who normally don’t like veg. All you have to do is come up with a filling that will entice your guests, stuff your chosen veg, and off you go! The rest of it is done in the oven while you do something more interesting. If you wish, you can make the classic with a filling of ground beef; or you can choose to create a filling lighter but equally tasty, using rice, couscous, bulgur wheat or just breadcrumbs. This recipe is based on basmati rice, a lightweight and incredibly fragrant rice that will make your tomatoes a triumph of lightness and health. And so as not to disappoint meat-lovers, we decided to add a bit of fresh sausage, tasty and delicious.
Ingredients
* approximate values per serving
Preparation
Cook the basmati rice as follows: put it in a non-stick saucepan and cover with water plus one finger’s worth. Add a pinch of salt, cover, bring to the boil and then simmer on the lowest flame, without removing the cover, for 12 minutes then turn off the heat. Wait another 12 minutes before removing the lid. Meanwhile, cut the top off the tomatoes, remove their flesh and seeds, add salt and pepper and position them so that they drain any excess liquid. Finely chop some celery, carrot and onion, fry them briefly in a pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Crumble the sausage meat in the same pan, let it cook for a few seconds, then pour in the white wine and deglaze. Transfer everything to a bowl and add the chopped parsley and basmati rice. Season with salt and pepper, then use this mixture to fill the tomatoes, pressing it in with your fingers. Place them in a baking dish greased with oil, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, cover the tomatoes with their previously cut off "lids", sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake at 180°C for 35 minutes in a fan oven.
Step by step
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Fry some finely chopped celery, carrots and onion
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Add the crumbled up sausage meat and fry until browned; add the white wine and deglaze
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Add the rice and parsley, adjust for salt and pepper and mix well together
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Oil an oven dish
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Fill the tomatoes with the prepared mixture
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If you like, sprinkle with parmesan
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Cover the tomatoes with their ‘lids’, add more salt and pepper and bake
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Serve your stuffed tomatoes
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Prepare all the ingredients
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Additional information
Stuffed Tomatoes with Rice and Sausages
Stuffed tomatoes with rice and sausages represent a tasty variation of the traditional recipe. In this version, the presence of sausages gives a rich and enveloping flavor to the filling, making the dish even more substantial. To prepare this variant, it is advisable to sauté the crumbled sausages in a pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, along with chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Once cooked, the mix of sausages and vegetables will be combined with the previously cooked basmati rice. This preparation not only enriches the filling but also offers a pleasant contrast with the freshness of the tomatoes. Served warm, these stuffed tomatoes become an ideal main dish for a family dinner or with friends.
Stuffed Tomatoes with Rice Neapolitan Style
The preparation of stuffed tomatoes with rice Neapolitan style is a traditional way to enjoy this dish typical of southern Italy. In this version, the rice is often cooked with meat broth to enhance its flavor, while the tomatoes are filled with a mix of rice, ground meat, grated cheese, and fresh herbs like parsley and basil. The cooking takes place in the oven, allowing the tomatoes to release their juices, creating a delicious sauce. This dish is perfect for those who want to savor the authentic flavors of Campanian cuisine, bringing to the table a dish rich in tradition and taste. Neapolitan stuffed tomatoes can be served both warm and at room temperature, making them versatile for any occasion.
Light Stuffed Tomatoes with Rice without Meat
For those looking for a lighter version of stuffed tomatoes with rice, the light preparation without meat is an excellent alternative. In this recipe, only vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers can be used, along with basmati rice. The vegetables, diced and sautéed in a pan with extra virgin olive oil, can be mixed with the cooked rice and a pinch of spices for flavor. This dish is not only lighter but also rich in vitamins and fiber, ideal for those following a healthy diet. The tomatoes, hollowed out and filled with this vegetable mix, can be baked in the oven, resulting in a tasty and nutritious outcome. This variant is perfect for warm summer days when a fresh and light meal is desired.
Nutritional Benefits of Stuffed Tomatoes with Rice and Calories
Stuffed tomatoes with rice offer numerous nutritional benefits, thanks to the use of fresh and healthy ingredients. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C and lycopene, a natural antioxidant that contributes to heart health and cell protection. The basmati rice used in this preparation is a low glycemic index carbohydrate, providing lasting energy without insulin spikes. Additionally, the addition of vegetables in the filling increases the fiber content, essential for proper digestion. In terms of calories, a serving of stuffed tomatoes with rice can vary from 250 to 350 calories, depending on the ingredients used, making them a balanced option for a complete meal.
How to Store Stuffed Tomatoes with Rice?
To best preserve stuffed tomatoes with rice, it is advisable to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for a maximum of 2-3 days, maintaining their freshness and flavor. If you wish to prepare the dish in advance, you can cook the tomatoes and fill them, but it is better to avoid baking them until the time of consumption, to preserve the texture. Alternatively, you can freeze the stuffed tomatoes before cooking; in this case, it is advisable to wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe food bag. To enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and then bake until golden. This way, you will always have a tasty dish ready to use.