Mediterranean Herb Couscous-Stuffed Tomatoes
Delight your palate with these Mediterranean Herb Couscous-Stuffed Tomatoes, an exquisite blend of fresh tomatoes filled with a rich couscous mixture brimming with herbs and textures. Each tomato acts as a vessel, holding a savory medley of fluffy couscous, sweet currants, and crunchy toasted almonds, all lightly flavored with lemon and aromatic herbs. This dish serves as a light yet satisfying entrée or side for any meal, especially when paired with a crisp green salad. Ideal for both vegetarians and meat lovers alike, this recipe is straightforward yet impressive, making it a perfect option for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. For a vegetarian twist, simply substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock.
N/A
Servings
87.5
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
large vine-ripened tomatoes
4 (tops sliced off and seeds removed)
couscous
1/3 cup (uncooked)
currants
1 tablespoon (uncooked)
chicken stock
1/4 cup (salt reduced; can substitute with vegetable stock for vegetarian option)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
slivered toasted almonds
1 tablespoon (toasted)
fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon (chopped)
fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 tablespoon (chopped)
fresh chives
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon (none)
salt and pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 220°C (or 200°C for fan-forced).
2
Carefully slice the tops off the large vine-ripened tomatoes and set them aside, ensuring you keep the tops intact for later use.
3
Using a teaspoon, gently scoop out the flesh and seeds of the tomatoes, ensuring not to puncture their skin. Place the hollowed tomatoes and their tops onto a baking tray.
4
Bake the tomatoes in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are slightly tender but still hold their shape.
5
Meanwhile, in a heatproof bowl, combine the couscous and currants. Set aside.
6
In a microwave-safe jug, mix the chicken stock and lemon juice. Microwave on high for 30 to 40 seconds until warmed through.
7
Pour the warm stock and lemon mixture over the couscous and currants, cover the bowl, and let it stand for 5 minutes.
8
After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains. Then, gently fold in the slivered toasted almonds, fresh basil, parsley, chives, and extra virgin olive oil. Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.
9
Carefully divide the couscous mixture among the hollowed tomatoes and gently replace the tops.
10
Serve the stuffed tomatoes warm as an elegant entrée or hearty side dish.
Nutrition Information
15g
Carbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Herb Couscous-Stuffed Tomatoes?
It is a dish featuring large vine-ripened tomatoes filled with a savory mixture of couscous, currants, toasted almonds, and fresh herbs.
How do I prepare the tomatoes for stuffing?
Slice the tops off the tomatoes and use a teaspoon to gently scoop out the flesh and seeds without puncturing the skin.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat the oven to 220°C, or 200°C if using a fan-forced setting.
How long should I bake the hollowed tomatoes?
Bake the empty tomatoes and their tops for 8 to 10 minutes until they are slightly tender.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock to make the dish vegetarian.
What kind of stock is recommended?
The recipe suggests using salt-reduced chicken stock or vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
How do I prepare the couscous filling?
Combine couscous and currants with warm stock and lemon juice, let it stand for 5 minutes, then fluff and add herbs, nuts, and oil.
How long does the couscous need to stand after adding liquid?
The couscous should stand covered for 5 minutes to properly absorb the liquid.
What fresh herbs are used in the filling?
The recipe uses a fresh blend of basil, flat-leaf parsley, and chives.
What type of nuts are included in the mixture?
The recipe calls for slivered toasted almonds for added crunch.
Should the almonds be toasted?
Yes, using toasted slivered almonds provides the best texture and flavor for the filling.
Is a microwave used in this recipe?
Yes, the microwave is used to warm the stock and lemon juice mixture for 30 to 40 seconds.
How do I avoid breaking the tomatoes?
Use a teaspoon to gently scoop the insides and be careful not to puncture the outer skin.
What happens to the tomato tops?
The tops are baked alongside the tomatoes and replaced on top of the filling before serving for an elegant presentation.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy option with approximately 87.5 calories per serving.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it can be served as a light yet satisfying entrée or as a hearty side dish.
What should I serve with these stuffed tomatoes?
They pair exceptionally well with a crisp green salad.
How do I fluff the couscous?
After the couscous has absorbed the liquid, use a fork to gently separate and fluff the grains.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe recommends freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best aromatic results.
What kind of oil is used?
Extra virgin olive oil is used to flavor and moisten the couscous filling.
How many calories are in a serving?
One serving contains approximately 87.5 calories.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients including the seasoning.
Is this recipe good for gatherings?
Yes, the recipe is straightforward yet impressive, making it ideal for entertaining guests.
How do I season the filling?
Add salt and pepper to taste after folding in the herbs and almonds.
What type of tomatoes are best?
Large vine-ripened tomatoes are best for their flavor and size.
How many carbohydrates are in the recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 15g of carbohydrates.
What do the currants add to the dish?
Currants provide a touch of sweetness that balances the savory herbs and stock.
What is the prep time for the tomatoes in the oven?
The tomatoes bake for about 8 to 10 minutes.
Should these be served warm?
Yes, the recipe recommends serving the stuffed tomatoes while they are warm.
Is this a difficult recipe to prepare?
No, it is classified as an easy recipe with straightforward instructions.