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Rice Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe


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  • Author: Chef Sophia
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

These Rice Stuffed Tomatoes are a Mediterranean-inspired dish, featuring juicy, tender tomatoes filled with a flavorful rice mixture and roasted to perfection. Paired with crispy roasted potatoes, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for a summer meal or family gathering, these stuffed tomatoes are bursting with flavor and easy to prepare.


Ingredients

For the Roasted Potatoes:

4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into thin wedges or 1-inch cubes

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Stuffed Tomatoes:

6 medium-large round tomatoes (ripe but firm)

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

1 small red or yellow onion, finely diced

2 large garlic cloves, minced

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

¾ cup arborio or carnaroli rice

⅓ cup water or broth

1012 large fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus a little more for garnish

½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place potato wedges in a 9×13 baking dish. Toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 15-20 minutes. Set the baking dish aside but leave the oven on.

  2. Prepare the tomatoes:
    Cut the top quarter off each tomato and set the tops aside. Use a paring knife to loosen the core and pulp, then scoop it out carefully with a spoon, being careful not to pierce the tomato shells. Transfer the pulp to a bowl and blend until smooth. Lightly salt the inside of each hollowed tomato and place them upside down on paper towels to drain while you prepare the rice.

  3. Cook the rice filling:
    In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion with a pinch of salt, and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted and coated in oil.
    Add the blended tomato pulp and ⅓ cup of water or broth to the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is softened but still underdone. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil and Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

  4. Stuff the tomatoes:
    Arrange the hollowed-out tomatoes on top of the partially roasted potatoes in the baking dish. Loosely fill each tomato with the rice mixture, then place the tops of the tomatoes back on. Drizzle the tomatoes and potatoes generously with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

  5. Bake the stuffed tomatoes:
    Return the dish to the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft, wrinkled, and the rice is fully cooked. For a more caramelized finish, broil for the last few minutes.

  6. Rest and serve:
    Let the tomatoes cool slightly, then garnish with a little more chopped basil just before serving. These stuffed tomatoes are delicious both warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Vegetarian version: For a meatless version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the Parmesan if you’d like to make it vegan.
  • Add-ins: Add chopped olives, capers, or pine nuts to the rice filling for extra flavor and texture.
  • Cheese swap: Use a different cheese like feta or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean