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Stuffed tomatoes

⏱ 20 min🍳 25 min👤 4 pp★★☆☆☆

Stuffed tomatoes are a classic summer dish, perfect when you want something cold, light on the stomach, quick to prepare and, of course, economical. They are one of the best recipes, in fact, for getting this combination of outcomes. So furnish yourself with some nice, red tomatoes, ripe and tasty, and a little imagination! You can stuff them with mixed vegetables, with rice or a rice salad, with a classic filling of bread, cheese and herbs, with a creamed tuna sauce, the list goes on. Or, if you want to go for a more substantial option you could go for the classic stuffing of minced beef, perhaps a Bolognese sauce with peas, or maybe flavoured with parmesan cheese, bread, salt, pepper and parsley, just as you would use for meatballs. Today we offer a version of the stuffed tomato with particularly Mediterranean flavours: bread crusts, capers, black olives, herbs, softened and made irresistible by the addition of mozzarella. You must try it!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 280 kcal / serving
Protein
8g
Carbohydrates
28g
Fat
15g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
20 minutes Preparation time
25 minutes Cooking time
Serves 4 persons
★★☆☆☆ Medium difficulty

Preparation

Remove the inner flesh from the tomatoes to leave them whole but empty. Break the bread crust into small pieces. Mix the crusts with the leftover tomato innards. Stone the olives and chop them up together with the capers. Mix together the tomato, bread, olives, capers, basil, diced mozzarella, and dress with salt and olive oil. Fill the hollowed out tomatoes with the mixture as soon as it is ready. Bake at 220°C for 25 minutes.

Tips
Before filling the tomatoes but after they have been scooped out, leave them for about ten minutes (or even half an hour) upside down in a colander or on a double layer of absorbent paper. This will help them lose some excess liquid and stay more compact during cooking.
Trivia
The tomato arrived in Europe only after the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492. At first, it was cultivated only as an ornamental plant. Only later was it discovered that its fruits were excellent to eat. From that point Italian cuisine underwent a revolution, finding its peak, sometime later, in the invention of the pizza margherita.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
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Additional information

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes with Mozzarella and Black Olives

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes with Mozzarella and Black Olives are a delicious and flavorful variation of this traditional dish. The preparation involves using fresh hollowed tomatoes, filled with a mix of breadcrumbs, mozzarella, black olives, capers, and basil. Baking at 220° for 25 minutes allows the flavors to meld, creating a succulent and aromatic filling. This recipe lends itself to many variations, but the addition of mozzarella and black olives gives a touch of creaminess and savoriness that enriches the dish. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, stuffed tomatoes are an excellent choice for a summer dinner or a festive table.

Sicilian Stuffed Tomatoes with Capers and Basil

The Sicilian Stuffed Tomatoes variant is a tribute to the culinary tradition of the island. This typical dish uses fresh and genuine ingredients, such as Pachino tomatoes, which are known for their sweet and intense flavor. The preparation involves hollowing out the tomatoes and stuffing them with a mix of breadcrumbs, capers, and basil, ingredients that evoke Mediterranean flavors. Baking further enhances the flavors, making each bite a true journey through the scents of Sicily. This recipe is perfect for those who wish to bring to the table a dish rich in history and tradition, without sacrificing taste.

Light Stuffed Tomatoes without Mozzarella

For those seeking a lighter alternative, Light Stuffed Tomatoes without Mozzarella are an ideal choice. This version eliminates cheese while still maintaining a flavorful and nutritious filling. By using only breadcrumbs, black olives, capers, and basil, it is possible to create a dish that retains all the taste of stuffed tomatoes but with fewer calories. Baking results in a crispy exterior and a soft interior, without the addition of unnecessary fats. This dish is perfect for those following a healthy diet, without giving up the pleasure of a good meal.

Stuffed Tomatoes: Nutritional Benefits and Approximate Calories

Stuffed Tomatoes are a dish rich in nutritional benefits. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Additionally, basil provides anti-inflammatory properties, while black olives and capers offer healthy fats and essential minerals. On average, a stuffed tomato contains about 150-200 calories, depending on the filling used. This makes the dish not only tasty but also nutritious and balanced, perfect for a light lunch or a healthy dinner.

Can Stuffed Tomatoes be Frozen?

The question of whether Stuffed Tomatoes can be frozen is common among those who love to prepare meals in advance. The answer is yes, they can be frozen! However, it is important to do so correctly to preserve flavor and texture. It is recommended to bake the stuffed tomatoes and let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or food bags. This way, they can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to consume them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven to restore their goodness. This solution is great for always having a ready-to-eat dish on hand in case of need.