Tomatoes Yemistess(Greece)
Tomatoes Yemistess offers a hearty Greek-inspired dish featuring tender ground beef, fragrant spices, and flavorful rice stuffed into fresh tomatoes. The dish is complemented by the crunch of almonds and the warmth of cinnamon, making it a delightful main course ideal for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, butter, and chopped onion in a saucepan or electric skillet until browned.
- Add parsley, slivered almonds, cinnamon, salt, and sugar; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in uncooked rice and cook over low heat for an additional 5 minutes.
- Hollow out the tomatoes, reserving the pulp and juice.
- Fill the hollowed tomatoes with the rice mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Arrange quartered raw potatoes around the tomatoes.
- Bake until the tomatoes are tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating chopped fresh mint or dill into the rice mixture. If you don't have ground beef, ground lamb or a plant-based substitute can work well. Using long-grain rice instead of converted rice will also yield a delightful texture. Ensure the tomatoes are firm to hold the stuffing without breaking during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed tomatoes alongside a fresh Greek salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of feta cheese can enhance the flavors. This dish pairs beautifully with Moussaka for a Mediterranean feast, making it perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish and cover with foil to retain moisture. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomatoes Yemistess(Greece) contains roughly 1466 calories, with 11g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 127g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (31% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1338mg per serving (58% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed tomatoes a day in advance. Just assemble them without baking, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake them as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground lamb or turkey are excellent alternatives if you're looking to switch up the meat. For a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or mushrooms, which can add a hearty texture and flavor to the dish.
How do I know when the tomatoes are done cooking?
The tomatoes are done when they are tender and slightly collapsed, and the rice mixture is cooked through. You can check by gently pressing on a tomato; it should feel soft but not falling apart. The potatoes should also be fork-tender.
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).