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**The Authentic Stuffed Tomatoes: A Delicious and Flavorful Delight**
Stuffed tomatoes are a classic dish that brings together the natural sweetness of tomatoes and the rich flavors of a savory stuffing. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, **authentic stuffed tomatoes** are both comforting and satisfying, and they hold a special place in many traditional cuisines. These tomatoes are stuffed with a flavorful filling that complements their juicy, tender flesh—creating a balanced, mouthwatering bite.
In this article, we’ll take you through a simple yet authentic recipe for stuffed tomatoes, showcasing how to elevate this classic dish with the perfect stuffing. Get ready to make a dish that will wow your taste buds and impress anyone you serve it to.
### Ingredients for Authentic Stuffed Tomatoes
For the tomatoes:
– 6 large ripe tomatoes (preferably beefsteak or any large variety)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the stuffing:
– 1/2 cup cooked rice (you can use white, brown, or wild rice)
– 1/2 lb ground beef or lamb (you can substitute with ground turkey or vegetarian protein)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella)
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano or basil
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the sauce:
– 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
### Instructions for Making Authentic Stuffed Tomatoes
#### 1. **Prepare the Tomatoes**
Start by carefully washing the tomatoes and cutting off the tops. Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the seeds and flesh from inside the tomatoes, leaving the outer walls intact. Set the hollowed-out tomatoes aside, reserving the tomato flesh for the sauce (if desired).
**Tip**: Be gentle when scooping out the tomato insides to avoid breaking the skin. You can gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
#### 2. **Prepare the Stuffing**
Heat **1 tablespoon of olive oil** in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped **onion** and **garlic**, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Next, add the **ground meat** (beef, lamb, or turkey) to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Season with **salt**, **pepper**, and **red pepper flakes** (if using). Once cooked, remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Add the **cooked rice** to the skillet with the meat mixture, followed by the **grated Parmesan cheese** and **fresh parsley**. Stir everything together until the mixture is well-combined. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional oregano or basil as needed.
#### 3. **Stuff the Tomatoes**
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Spoon the prepared stuffing into each hollowed-out tomato, packing the filling tightly. If there’s any leftover stuffing, you can form small meatballs and bake them alongside the tomatoes.
Place the stuffed tomatoes in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are standing upright.
#### 4. **Make the Tomato Sauce**
In a separate saucepan, heat **1 tablespoon of olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **crushed tomatoes** (and reserved tomato flesh if desired) along with **oregano**, **salt**, **pepper**, and a pinch of **sugar** (to balance acidity). Stir and simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Once ready, pour the sauce around the stuffed tomatoes in the baking dish, covering the base with a generous layer of sauce. This will keep the tomatoes moist during baking and enhance the flavors.
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