Tomatoes Florentine
A flavorful vegetarian dish featuring hollowed-out tomatoes filled with seasoned spinach and bread crumbs, perfect for a light lunch or elegant dinner option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut a 1/2-inch slice from the top of each tomato and carefully scoop out the pulp with a melon baller.
- Chop the pulp and drain it; set aside.
- Place the tomato shells upside-down on paper towels to drain.
- In a skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Mix in the drained chopped pulp and cooked spinach.
- Stir in the bread crumbs, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the tomato shells with the spinach mixture.
- Optional: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a different flavor profile, try adding some crumbled feta or mozzarella cheese to the spinach mixture. You can also substitute fresh spinach for frozen if you have it on hand, just sauté it until wilted before mixing. If you're short on time, pre-made breadcrumbs can be used instead of making your own. This dish pairs nicely with Mediterranean recipes for a full meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Tomatoes Florentine as a colorful appetizer or a light main dish alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread. They also work well as a side dish with grilled meats or pasta. For a complete meal, consider serving with Jean's Eggplant Casserole or a light soup.
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 (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the tomatoes soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomatoes Florentine contains roughly 223 calories, with 8g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 513mg per serving (22% 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 use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, using fresh tomatoes is recommended for this recipe. Just ensure they are ripe and firm, which will provide the best flavor and texture. You can follow the same steps to hollow them out and prepare them for stuffing.
What can I substitute for olive oil?
If you need a substitute for olive oil, you can use vegetable oil or melted butter. Both will work well for sautéing the onions and adding moisture to the stuffing mixture.
Can I freeze the stuffed tomatoes?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed tomatoes before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to an airtight container. When ready to eat, 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).