How to Make French Stuffed Tomatoes with Vegetables
French stuffed tomatoes are a delightful and healthy dish that showcases the rich flavors of fresh vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or even as a colorful appetizer for your next gathering. Here's how to make delicious French stuffed tomatoes with vegetables:
Ingredients
To make French stuffed tomatoes, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 large ripe tomatoes
- 1 cup of cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 small zucchini, finely chopped
- 1 small bell pepper (any color), finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of grated cheese (like Gruyère or mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or basil)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, wash the tomatoes and carefully cut the tops off each tomato. Using a small spoon or melon baller, scoop out the insides, leaving a shell that's about 1/2 inch thick. Reserve the insides in a bowl for later use.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, stirring until they become translucent. Then, add the zucchini and bell pepper, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until softened. Mix in the reserved tomato insides, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Season the mixture with thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Combine the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice or quinoa with the vegetable mixture. Stir in half of the grated cheese, ensuring everything is well mixed.
Step 4: Stuff the Tomatoes
Carefully spoon the vegetable and rice mixture into each tomato shell, pressing down slightly to pack the filling. Top each stuffed tomato with the remaining grated cheese for a gooey and delicious finish.
Step 5: Bake the Stuffed Tomatoes
Place the stuffed tomatoes upright in a baking dish. If desired, you can add a splash of water or broth to the bottom of the dish to keep the tomatoes moist while baking. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once baked, remove the French stuffed tomatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor and presentation. Enjoy your delicious and colorful dish!
Conclusion
French stuffed tomatoes with vegetables make for a nutritious and tasty dish that can be enjoyed as a main or a side. Experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to create your perfect version of this classic recipe. Bon appétit!