Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes with Bulgur: A Flavorful Appetizer
Delve into the delicious world of Mediterranean-inspired appetizers with these Pomodorini Gratinati Ripieni di Bulgur – stuffed cherry tomatoes filled with a hearty and savory bulgur mixture, paired with vibrant fresh vegetables and a delicate crunch from pine nuts. These bite-sized treats are a perfect introduction to any meal, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for gatherings, these stuffed tomatoes are both nutritious and visually appealing.
Ingredients (Serves 24)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bulgur | 70g |
| Water | 175ml |
| Fine Salt | ½ tsp |
| Cherry Tomatoes | 400g |
| Carrot | 40g |
| Baby Zucchini | 30g |
| Fresh Peas | 30g |
| Pine Nuts | 10g |
| Fresh Spring Onion | 1 |
| Emmental Cheese (grated) | To taste |
| Fresh Ginger | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Begin by thoroughly washing and drying the cherry tomatoes. Slice off the top (the cap) of each tomato and set them aside.
- Using a small spoon, gently scoop out the insides of the tomatoes, discarding the seeds. Set the hollowed tomatoes aside for stuffing later.
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-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Peel the carrot and cut it into thin matchsticks. Then, dice the matchsticks into small cubes.
- Rinse the baby zucchini under cold water, then trim and cut it into thin matchsticks. Dice these into small cubes as well.
- Shell the fresh peas and set them aside.
- Trim and finely chop the spring onion, discarding the roots and any tough parts.
-
Cook the Vegetables:
- In a large non-stick skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spring onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the diced carrots to the skillet, cooking them until tender. Then, add the peas and zucchini, continuing to cook until all the vegetables are tender but still vibrant in color. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, grate a small amount of fresh ginger and stir it into the mixture for a subtle, aromatic kick.
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Prepare the Bulgur:
- In a small saucepan, bring 175ml of water to a boil. Add ½ teaspoon of salt and the bulgur, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 7 minutes, or until the bulgur is tender and all the water has been absorbed.
- Remove from heat and fluff the bulgur with a fork.
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Combine Bulgur and Vegetables:
- Add the cooked bulgur to the sautéed vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine. If necessary, season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Toast the pine nuts lightly in a dry pan over medium heat until golden, then mix them into the bulgur and vegetable filling.
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Stuff the Tomatoes:
- Gently fill each hollowed-out cherry tomato with the bulgur and vegetable mixture. Be generous with the stuffing, ensuring each tomato is filled to the brim.
- Top each stuffed tomato with a sprinkle of grated Emmental cheese, adding as much or as little as you prefer.
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Bake:
- Place the stuffed tomatoes on a baking tray and carefully place the tops (caps) back on each tomato to close them.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) if using a static oven. If using a fan-assisted oven, set it to 160°C (320°F).
- Bake the stuffed tomatoes for 20 minutes in the static oven, or for 10 minutes in the fan oven, until the tomatoes are golden and slightly crispy on top.
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Serve:
- Remove the stuffed tomatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy these delicious, Mediterranean-inspired appetizers!
Tips for a Perfect Dish
- Tomato Selection: Choose firm, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best results. Overripe tomatoes may lose their shape during baking.
- Cheese Options: While Emmental is suggested, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for a different flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: These stuffed tomatoes can be prepared ahead of time, stored in the fridge, and baked just before serving for a convenient party appetizer.
This appetizer combines the simplicity of bulgur with the vibrant freshness of vegetables and the richness of cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a delicious snack, these stuffed tomatoes are sure to delight!
