Stuffed Tomato with Stir-Fried Quinoa and Feta
Introduction
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with our Stuffed Tomato with Stir-Fried Quinoa and Feta. This vibrant appetizer combines juicy tomatoes with a flavorful quinoa filling enriched with colorful bell peppers and creamy feta cheese. Perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking to add a touch of healthy elegance to their meals, these stuffed tomatoes make for a deliciously satisfying dish that can be enjoyed at breakfast or any time of the day. With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a total cooking time of 30 minutes, this recipe is as convenient as it is flavorful.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes (pulp scooped out) | 4 |
| Quinoa (soaked in water for 2 hours) | 100 grams |
| Red bell pepper (capsicum) | 1 (chopped finely) |
| Yellow bell pepper (capsicum) | 1 (chopped finely) |
| Cheddar cheese | 100 grams (grated) |
| Feta cheese | 50 grams (cubed) |
| Black pepper powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 4
Cuisine
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Course: Appetizer
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Quinoa Filling:
- Begin by heating a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the finely chopped red and yellow bell peppers to the pan and sauté for a few minutes until they soften slightly.
- Next, incorporate the cubed feta cheese into the vegetable mixture, allowing it to melt slightly and blend with the vegetables.
-
-
Cook the Quinoa:
- Once the feta is mixed in, add the soaked quinoa to the pan. Stir to combine everything evenly and let it sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour in 1 and 1/2 cups of water, cover the pan, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the quinoa is fully cooked and the water has evaporated, approximately 15 minutes. Check for seasoning and adjust with salt and black pepper powder to taste.
-
Stuff the Tomatoes:
- Once the quinoa is cooked, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Meanwhile, prepare the tomatoes by carefully scooping out their pulp, creating hollow shells ready to be filled.
- Generously stuff each tomato with the quinoa mixture, pressing down gently to ensure the filling is compact.
-
Bake the Stuffed Tomatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (about 300°F). Place the stuffed tomatoes on a baking tray and sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese on top. For an extra touch, add some chopped bell peppers over the cheese for color and flavor.
- Bake the tomatoes in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
-
Serve:
- Remove the stuffed tomatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These juicy Stuffed Tomatoes with Stir-Fried Quinoa and Feta are delightful on their own or paired with a fresh salad. Enjoy them as a light meal, appetizer, or a colorful addition to your breakfast spread.
Final Notes
This recipe not only offers a burst of flavor but also provides a wealth of nutrients, thanks to the combination of fresh vegetables, protein-rich quinoa, and the creamy goodness of feta cheese. It’s a dish that beautifully showcases the simplicity and elegance of Middle Eastern flavors while catering to vegetarian diets. Whether for brunch, a light lunch, or as an elegant appetizer for your next gathering, these stuffed tomatoes will surely impress your family and friends.
Enjoy your culinary journey with this delightful recipe!
