Herbed-Stuffed Tomatoes
Herbed-Stuffed Tomatoes offer a fresh, tangy appetizer with cottage cheese and herbs, perfect for light snacking or entertaining guests with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut a thin slice off the bottom of each tomato.
- Scoop out the pulp with a small spoon and discard the pulp.
- Invert tomatoes onto paper towels to drain.
- Combine cottage cheese, green onion, chervil, dill, and lemon pepper in a small bowl.
- Spoon the mixture into the tomatoes.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate up to 8 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding finely chopped olives or crumbled feta cheese to the filling. You can substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture. If fresh chervil is unavailable, dried chervil works well too. Make sure to drain the tomatoes thoroughly after scooping to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
Serving Suggestions
These herbed-stuffed tomatoes make a delightful appetizer or side dish. They pair beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Cold Cucumber, Sour Cream Salad or Syrian Rice. For a complete meal, serve with grilled chicken or fish. Garnish with extra chopped herbs for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed tomatoes can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours. For the best texture, consume them cold or at room temperature. If you prefer them warmed, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, but be cautious not to overheat them.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed-Stuffed Tomatoes contains roughly 93 calories, with 5g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these stuffed tomatoes in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and stuff the tomatoes just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld while preventing the tomatoes from becoming too soggy. Just be sure to store the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble.
What other herbs can I use in the filling?
In addition to chervil, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill to customize the flavor. Each herb will bring a different profile to the dish, so feel free to mix and match based on your preferences.
Can I use larger tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely! Larger tomatoes can be used for a heartier version. If you opt for larger tomatoes, consider adjusting the cooking time slightly, as they may need a bit more time to soften. Just ensure they're still firm enough to hold the filling.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).