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Greek Stuffed Tomatoes (Gemista)

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Greek stuffed tomatoes, or Gemista, are a traditional Mediterranean dish made with ripe tomatoes filled with a savory mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat, then baked until tender and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 large ripe tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 cup water or vegetable broth
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges (optional, for roasting with tomatoes)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the tops off the tomatoes and set them aside. Scoop out the pulp with a spoon, being careful not to break the skins. Reserve the pulp.
  3. Heat half the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
  4. Add the rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  5. Chop the reserved tomato pulp and add it to the pan along with the parsley, mint, dill, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Stir well.
  6. Pour in the water or broth and cook the rice mixture for about 10 minutes until partially cooked. Remove from heat.
  7. Stuff each tomato with the rice mixture and place the tops back on.
  8. Place the stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish. Arrange potato wedges around them if using.
  9. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the tomatoes and potatoes.
  10. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes until the tomatoes are tender and slightly browned.
  11. Let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Gemista can also be made with bell peppers, zucchinis, or eggplants.
  • You can add ground beef or lamb to the rice mixture for a non-vegetarian version.
  • These are delicious served warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek stuffed tomatoes, Gemista, vegetarian Greek recipe, Mediterranean stuffed vegetables

Find it online: https://zesticook.com/greek-stuffed-tomatoes-gemista/