Mediterranean Orzo and Feta Stuffed Tomatoes
These vibrant Mediterranean Orzo and Feta Stuffed Tomatoes are a delightful and savory side dish that adds color and flavor to any meal. Perfectly ripe medium tomatoes are hollowed and packed with a flavorful mixture of cooked orzo pasta, creamy feta cheese, briny Mediterranean olives, and crunchy pine nuts, all bound together with aromatic herbs and fresh garlic. This dish is not only visually appealing but also embodies the essence of the Mediterranean diet. Serve these stuffed tomatoes chilled as a refreshing complement to roasted chicken or grilled seafood at your next gathering, and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean breeze.
24
Servings
120
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium tomatoes
24 (Cored and tops cut off)
salt
to taste
cooked orzo pasta
6 cups ((3 cups uncooked))
feta cheese
12 ounces (crumbled)
Mediterranean olives
1.5 cups (chopped)
pine nuts
1.5 cups (toasted)
green onions
1.5 cups (chopped)
parsley
3/4 cup (chopped)
olive oil
3/4 cup
dried rosemary
1.5 teaspoons (crumbled)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
fresh lemon juice
to taste
fresh ground pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by carefully cutting off the tops of the medium tomatoes, about 1/4 inch from the top.
2
Using a spoon, scoop out the pulp and seeds from the tomatoes, taking care not to break the walls. Reserve the pulp for another use.
3
Sprinkle the insides of the hollowed tomatoes with salt, then turn them upside down on a paper towel or rack to drain for 30 minutes. This step enhances the flavor and helps eliminate excess moisture.
4
Once drained, pat the tomatoes dry with a paper towel to remove any remaining moisture.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo pasta, crumbled feta cheese, chopped Mediterranean olives, toasted pine nuts, chopped green onions, chopped parsley, olive oil, crumbled rosemary, and minced garlic.
6
Add fresh lemon juice to taste and season the filling mixture generously with fresh ground pepper to your preference.
7
Gently spoon the flavorful orzo mixture into each hollowed tomato, packing it lightly but firmly.
8
Cover each stuffed tomato with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. These can be prepared up to one day in advance for added convenience.
9
Serve the stuffed tomatoes chilled as a refreshing side dish alongside roasted chicken or grilled seafood.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
9g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recipe for Mediterranean Orzo and Feta Stuffed Tomatoes?
This recipe is for a savory Mediterranean side dish featuring medium tomatoes hollowed out and filled with cooked orzo, feta cheese, olives, and pine nuts.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe makes 24 servings.
What are the main ingredients in the filling?
The filling consists of cooked orzo pasta, crumbled feta cheese, Mediterranean olives, toasted pine nuts, green onions, and parsley.
Are the stuffed tomatoes served hot or cold?
These stuffed tomatoes are served chilled as a refreshing side dish.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, they can be prepared up to one day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
Orzo pasta is used, which is a small, rice-shaped pasta.
How much uncooked orzo do I need to get 6 cups of cooked orzo?
You will need approximately 3 cups of uncooked orzo pasta.
What is the first step in preparing the tomatoes?
The first step is to cut off the tops of the tomatoes, about 1/4 inch from the top.
What should I do with the pulp and seeds from the tomatoes?
You should scoop out the pulp and seeds and reserve them for another use, as they are not used in the stuffing.
Why do the hollowed tomatoes need to drain for 30 minutes?
Draining them upside down helps eliminate excess moisture and enhances the overall flavor.
What type of cheese is used in the stuffing?
12 ounces of crumbled feta cheese are used for the filling.
Are the pine nuts toasted?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1.5 cups of toasted pine nuts for added crunch.
What herbs provide the aroma for the filling?
The filling is flavored with chopped parsley and crumbled dried rosemary.
Does the recipe include garlic?
Yes, it includes 3 minced garlic cloves.
What provides the acidity in the filling mixture?
Fresh lemon juice is added to taste to provide acidity and balance.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 9 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving contains 4 grams of protein.
What is the total carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 9 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What size tomatoes are best for this recipe?
Medium-sized tomatoes are recommended for this recipe.
Should I salt the tomatoes before stuffing them?
Yes, sprinkle the insides with salt before draining them to help remove water.
What is the recommended way to store the stuffed tomatoes?
Cover each stuffed tomato with plastic wrap and keep them refrigerated.
What should I serve these stuffed tomatoes with?
They are excellent served alongside roasted chicken or grilled seafood.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 13 ingredients.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
According to the nutrition facts provided, there is no sugar recorded.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The nutrition data indicates the fiber content is null or not recorded.
What kind of oil is used in the recipe?
3/4 cup of olive oil is used to bind the filling mixture.
How should the Mediterranean olives be prepared?
The 1.5 cups of Mediterranean olives should be chopped before being added to the bowl.
What type of pepper is used for seasoning?
Fresh ground pepper is used to season the filling mixture to your preference.
What is the category of this dish?
This dish is categorized as a Vegetable dish.