Vibrant Mediterranean Stuffed Tomato Flowers 🌸

Stuffed Tomato Flowers Recipe

🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes | 🕒 Total Time: 10 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 6 tomatoes

Description:

Delight your taste buds with these vibrant and flavorful Stuffed Tomato Flowers! Bursting with the goodness of beans, fruits, and vegetables, this low-protein, low-cholesterol, and healthy recipe are perfect for lunch or snacks. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, taking less than 15 minutes from start to finish!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 2 lemons, rind of
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dill weed
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 cup canned garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 cup grated carrot
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped green olives
• 6 large tomatoes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, combine the dry white wine (or apple juice), lemon peel, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, dill weed, parsley, minced garlic, pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine all the flavors. This aromatic dressing will infuse your stuffed tomatoes with a burst of zesty freshness.

2. Make the Filling:

   • In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked brown rice, drained and rinsed garbanzo beans, diced sweet pepper, chopped cucumber, golden raisins, grated carrot, chopped green onions, and chopped green olives. Ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed to create a balanced filling with every bite.

3. Combine Dressing and Filling:

   • Pour the prepared dressing over the filling mixture. Gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing. This step ensures that every spoonful of the stuffed tomatoes is bursting with tangy and savory goodness.

4. Chill the Stuffed Tomatoes:

   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the stuffed tomato filling for up to 4 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious filling.

5. Prepare the Tomatoes:

   • While the filling is chilling, prepare the tomatoes. Core each tomato using a sharp knife to remove the stem and seeds, leaving a hollow center.

6. Create Tomato Flowers:

   • With the cored tomatoes placed upright on a cutting board, make six lengthwise cuts from the top of each tomato almost to but not through the bottom, creating six wedges that remain attached at the base. Carefully fan out the wedges to resemble a blooming flower.

7. Assemble and Serve:

   • Place each prepared tomato flower on a serving plate. Spoon approximately 3/4 cup of the chilled filling into the center of each tomato, allowing it to cascade gracefully between the petals. Admire the vibrant colors and enticing aroma before serving these stunning stuffed tomato flowers to your eager guests.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 351.1
• Fat: 5.3g
• Saturated Fat: 0.8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 374.9mg
• Carbohydrates: 67g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 9.4g

Tips:

• For a non-alcoholic version, substitute dry white wine with apple juice or vegetable broth.
• Customize the filling by adding your favorite ingredients such as diced avocado, chopped nuts, or fresh herbs.
• Serve the stuffed tomato flowers as a refreshing appetizer, light lunch, or as part of a colorful salad spread.
• Make ahead by preparing the filling and dressing in advance, then assembling the stuffed tomatoes just before serving for maximum freshness.