Spinach Stuffed Tomatoes
A savory vegetarian dish featuring hollowed-out tomatoes filled with a flavorful spinach and cheese mixture, perfect for a light lunch or side dish with Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut off the top fourth of each tomato and reserve for other uses.
- Use a small spoon to scoop out the pulp from each tomato to create hollow shells.
- Chop the drained pulp finely and let it drain in a colander.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- Mix in the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and ground nutmeg.
- Stuff the hollowed-out tomatoes with the spinach mixture.
- Place the stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and slightly browned on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped garlic or herbs like basil or oregano to the spinach mixture. If you don't have Parmesan, any hard cheese can work as a substitute. To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs. Make sure to drain the tomato pulp well to avoid a soggy filling. This recipe is a great way to utilize leftovers from Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spinach stuffed tomatoes warm as a delightful appetizer or as a main dish alongside a fresh salad. They pair beautifully with Summer Garden Pasta or a light Mediterranean salad. For a complete meal, consider adding a crusty loaf of Pane Alle Olive(Bread With Olives) to soak up any remaining juices.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the stuffed tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the tomatoes too watery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Stuffed Tomatoes contains roughly 332 calories, with 11g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 up to a day in advance. After assembling, cover them tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing them in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of spinach?
If you're looking for a substitute for spinach, you can use kale or Swiss chard, both of which provide a similar texture and flavor. Just make sure to cook them until wilted before mixing with the other ingredients.
Can I freeze the stuffed tomatoes?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed tomatoes before baking. Assemble them, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
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).