Orzo And Feta Stuffed Tomatoes
Vibrant stuffed tomatoes filled with a flavorful mix of orzo, feta, olives, pine nuts, and herbs, perfect for a light, Mediterranean-inspired appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
- 10 medium tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 c. cooked orzo or rice ⓘ
- 4 oz. feta cheese, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped black olives ⓘ
- 1/2 c. toasted pine nuts ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely sliced green onions ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 tsp. fresh basil, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cloves minced garlic ⓘ
- freshly ground black pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut 1/4-inch off the top of each tomato.
- Scoop out pulp and seeds from each tomato.
- Reserve pulp; discard seeds.
- Finely chop the tomato shells and set aside.
- Sprinkle the insides of the remaining tomato shells with salt.
- Invert on a paper towel and let drain for 30 minutes.
- Pat dry the tomato shells.
- Combine cooked orzo or rice, feta, black olives, pine nuts, green onions, parsley, olive oil, basil, garlic, pepper, and chopped tomato pulp in a bowl.
- Mix well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared tomato shells.
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using roasted garlic instead of raw, or try substituting the pine nuts with chopped walnuts for a different texture. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can use quinoa instead of orzo or rice. Fresh herbs like dill or mint can also enhance the flavor profile. Experimenting with Mediterranean recipes can yield delightful variations.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these stuffed tomatoes as a refreshing appetizer or a light main course. They pair beautifully with a simple green salad or a side of Vegetable Provencale for a complete meal. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil or a balsamic glaze for added richness before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed tomatoes in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the tomatoes too soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orzo And Feta Stuffed Tomatoes contains roughly 423 calories, with 25g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (152% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (125% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 544mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
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 stuffed tomatoes a few hours ahead of time. After filling the tomato shells, cover them with plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, making them even tastier when served.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for feta cheese, try using goat cheese or a vegan cheese option. Both will provide a creamy texture and a tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients well. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly depending on the cheese used.
Can I freeze the stuffed tomatoes?
Freezing stuffed tomatoes is not recommended, as the texture of the tomatoes may change when thawed. However, if you want to freeze the filling, you can do so and then stuff fresh tomatoes before serving. This way, you maintain the best texture and flavor.
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).