Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe

 

Middle Eastern Stuffed Tomatoes (Mahshi Tamatim)

Juicy, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, Stuffed Tomatoes are a delicious and eye-catching dish that works beautifully as a main course, appetizer, or side. This versatile recipe features hollowed-out tomatoes filled with a savory mixture of ingredients such as rice, herbs, vegetables, cheese, or ground meat, then baked to perfection. Whether you're making a vegetarian version or a protein-rich filling, stuffed tomatoes are an elegant and wholesome addition to any meal.

Ingredients

For the Tomatoes:

For the Filling:

Cooking Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

1. Wash the tomatoes thoroughly.
2. Carefully cut off the tops of the tomatoes (reserve these as "lids").
3. Using a small spoon (a melon baller works well too), gently scoop out the pulp and seeds from inside each tomato, leaving a sturdy shell with about ½ inch of flesh around the edges. Be careful not to pierce the bottom or sides.
4. Place the scooped-out tomato pulp and seeds in a bowl and reserve them.
5. Lightly sprinkle the inside of each hollowed tomato with a pinch of salt. Turn them upside down on paper towels to drain any excess liquid while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halal ground meat, well-drained soaked rice, finely diced onion, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh dill (if using), chopped fresh mint (if using), 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 3 tablespoons olive oil, ground allspice, ground cumin, ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt.
2. Chop the reserved tomato pulp finely and add it to the filling mixture (discard any hard, pale green parts near the stem).
3. Mix all the filling ingredients thoroughly with your hands until well combined. The mixture should be moist but not watery.

Step 3: Stuff the Tomatoes

1. Carefully fill each hollowed tomato shell with the prepared stuffing mixture. Do not pack the filling too tightly, as the rice needs space to expand during cooking. Fill them about ¾ full.
2. If you have any leftover filling, you can form it into small patties and cook alongside the tomatoes, or stuff other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini if desired.

Step 4: Arrange and Cook

1. Choose a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven that can hold all the stuffed tomatoes snugly in a single layer. You can optionally line the bottom of the pot with a few sprigs of herbs or slices of leftover tomato/onion to prevent sticking and add flavor.
2. Carefully arrange the stuffed tomatoes upright in the pot. Place the reserved tomato "lids" on top of each stuffed tomato.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon tomato paste with the hot water or halal broth, lemon juice (if using), and a pinch of salt.
4. Pour this liquid gently into the pot around the tomatoes. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the tomatoes.
5. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the tomatoes are soft. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your tomatoes and the type of rice.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let the stuffed tomatoes rest, covered, for 10-15 minutes. This allows the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid and the flavors to meld.
2. Carefully transfer the stuffed tomatoes to a serving platter.
3. Serve hot, with any remaining sauce from the pot spooned over. They are delicious on their own or alongside a simple yogurt sauce (like plain yogurt with minced garlic and dried mint) or a fresh salad.

---

Extra Tips for Perfect Stuffed Tomatoes

• Tomato Choice: Beefsteak, vine-ripened, or other large, firm varieties are ideal for stuffing. They hold their shape well during baking.
• Rice Soaking: Soaking the rice helps it cook more evenly and prevents it from being too hard or too mushy.
• Don't Overfill: This is crucial! Rice expands significantly when cooked. Leave enough space (about ¼ of the tomato's cavity) for the rice to swell.
• Flavor Boosts: A tiny bit of cinnamon or a small pinch of dried rosebuds (if available and traditional in your region) can enhance the authentic Middle Eastern flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground meat and increase the amount of rice, add some cooked lentils, or include finely diced vegetables like zucchini or carrots to the filling. You might also want to add a bit more olive oil to compensate for the fat from the meat.
• Freezing: Stuffed tomatoes can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, thaw completely before baking. If freezing baked, reheat gently in the oven.

---

Nutritional Value 

(per stuffed tomato, based on 6 servings, varies with filling quantity)

Benefits

• ✅ Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, vitamin C, and other antioxidants that support heart and skin health.
• ✅ High in Fiber: When filled with grains and vegetables, they provide a fiber-rich meal that aids digestion and promotes fullness.
• ✅ Customizable & Dietary Friendly: Easily adapted for vegetarian, vegan, or low-carb diets with simple ingredient swaps.
• ✅ Low in Calories, Big on Flavor: A light, satisfying dish that doesn't sacrifice taste.
• ✅ Impressive Presentation: Their vibrant color and shape make stuffed tomatoes a visually appealing option for dinner parties and holidays.

---

Stuffed Tomatoes are more than just a pretty dish—they’re a flavorful, nutrient-packed solution for healthy meals any day of the week. Whether you're filling them with herbed rice, lentils, or spiced minced meat, their natural sweetness and juicy texture bring balance and beauty to your plate. Baked until tender and slightly caramelized, these tomatoes are a delightful blend of freshness and comfort.

Browse more Mediterranean-inspired recipes, healthy stuffed vegetable ideas, and oven-baked favorites on our site. Be sure to save your favorite versions and share your creations with fellow food lovers!