Stuffed tomatoes, with their bright color and fragrant filling, decorate both everyday and festive tables. This dishcombines the mild, slightly sweet taste of tomatoes with a variety of fillings – from juicy minced meat to light cereal and vegetable mixtures. Tomatoes baked in the oven become soft, aromatic and seem to merge with the taste of the filling, making every bite a real pleasure.
Health Benefits of Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the most valued vegetables due to their nutritional composition. They are rich in lycopene – a powerful antioxidant that is associated with reducing the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer. Lycopene gives tomatoes their red color and is highly valued for its health properties. 100 g of fresh tomatoes contain only about 18 kcal, so they are also perfect for those who count calories. Tomatoes are also a source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and fiber.
Baked tomatoes are not only a delicious addition to a variety of dishes, but they are also healthier than raw tomatoes. Interestingly, heat treatment of tomatoes (for example, baking in the oven) increases the amount of lycopene in them, making stuffed tomatoes not only a tasty but also a healthy option. In addition, heat helps break down the cellulose walls of tomatoes, making it easier for the body to absorb and use the nutrients they contain.
Choosing the Right Tomatoes for Stuffing
When making stuffed tomatoes, choose medium-sized, firm tomatoes. Too soft or overripe tomatoes can lose their shape during cooking. Beefsteak tomatoes or other large, fleshy varieties are perfect. The most important thing is that they are the same size – this way they will all cook evenly.
Stuffed Tomatoes with Minced Meat and Rice
This is a classic and hearty recipe that will appeal to meat lovers and is ideal for lunch or a hearty dinner.
Ingredients:
- 6 medium tomatoes
- 350 g minced pork and beef mixture
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 100 g parboiled rice
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- salt, pepper, dried herbs to taste
- grated cheese for sprinkling
Cooking process:
- Cut the tops off the tomatoes, carefully scoop out the pulp (do not throw it away – it will be useful for the filling).
- Fry the chopped onion and garlic in a pan, add the minced meat, fry until browned.
- Add the tomato paste, chopped tomato pulp, spices, simmer for a few minutes.
- Mix with half-cooked rice.
- Fill the tomatoes with the resulting filling, sprinkle with grated cheese.
- Bake at 180 °C for about 25-30 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and the cheese is nicely browned.
- At the end of baking, add the tops. Serve hot.