Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe
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Overview:
A delightful vegetarian dish that makes the most of your summer tomato harvest! These stuffed tomatoes are a refreshing departure from the usual green pepper recipe, offering a burst of flavors in every bite. With a savory blend of onion, avocado, garlic, and feta cheese, these tomatoes are baked to perfection and drizzled with a zesty lemon-oregano sauce. It’s a healthy, low-cholesterol option perfect for weeknight dinners, ready in just under an hour and fifteen minutes!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: 242.6
- Rating: ββββΒ½
Ingredients:
- 8 ripe tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
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Prepare Baking Dish:
- Grease a shallow baking dish with a light coating of olive oil.
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Prepare Tomatoes:
- Cut off the stem ends of the tomatoes and set them aside for later use.
- Carefully scoop out the pulp from each tomato, leaving the flesh on the walls and the bottom intact. Reserve the pulp for later use.
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Prepare Stuffing:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the finely diced onion, diced avocado, minced garlic, crumbled feta cheese, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for an optional kick.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
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Stuff the Tomatoes:
- Arrange the hollowed-out tomato shells side by side in the prepared baking dish.
- Fill each tomato generously with the avocado and feta cheese stuffing mixture.
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Replace Stem Ends:
- Place the stem ends back onto each tomato, securing the filling inside.
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Prepare Sauce:
- In a blender or food processor, puree the reserved tomato pulp until smooth.
- Add in the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, and a splash of water to create a flavorful sauce.
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Top and Bake:
- Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the stuffed tomatoes, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven.
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Bake to Perfection:
- Bake the stuffed tomatoes for about 50 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the filling is heated through.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once done, remove the foil and let the stuffed tomatoes cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve these delectable stuffed tomatoes warm, with a generous spoonful of their savory sauce.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the stuffing mixture.
- Feel free to customize the stuffing with your favorite ingredients, such as chopped spinach, quinoa, or pine nuts.
- These stuffed tomatoes make a delicious side dish alongside grilled meats or as a light main course paired with a fresh green salad.
Whether you’re looking for a nutritious weeknight meal or a flavorful way to use up those ripe tomatoes from your garden, these stuffed tomatoes are sure to impress! Bursting with creamy avocado, tangy feta cheese, and zesty lemon-oregano sauce, each bite is a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Enjoy the taste of summer in every mouthwatering bite! π β¨