Stuffed tomatoes with ham, cheese, and rice

Stuffed tomatoes with ham, cheese, and rice – a delicious and comforting recipe, perfect for a summer meal or a light lunch. This simple and quick recipe combines basic yet flavorful ingredients to create a dish that will impress everyone. Stuffed tomatoes are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a healthy choice, packed with nutrients.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 12 large, healthy tomatoes (beefsteak or other meaty varieties are ideal)
- 300 g smoked pork ham, diced
- 400 g grated cheese (you can choose smoked cheese for added flavor)
- 10 canned mushrooms, whole, finely chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 100 g pre-cooked rice
- Salt, freshly ground pink pepper, dried tarragon, and dried rosemary
- Delikat vegetable seasoning (optional, for an intense flavor)
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Step by step:

1. Preparing the tomatoes:
Wash the tomatoes under cold running water. Using a sharp knife, cut a small cap off the top of each tomato. Then, using a teaspoon, carefully scoop out the pulp, being careful not to crush the skin of the tomato. Keep the pulp, as it will be used later in the filling.

2. Preparing the filling:
In a large bowl, combine the grated cheese, diced smoked ham, chopped mushrooms, chopped parsley, crushed garlic, pre-cooked rice, and finely chopped tomato pulp (including the juice). Season the mixture with salt, freshly ground pink pepper, dried tarragon, and dried rosemary to taste. This is the base of your filling.

3. Stuffing the tomatoes:
Using a spoon, fill each tomato with the prepared mixture, being careful not to overfill them. Place the stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish, cut side up.

4. Baking:
Drizzle a little olive oil over each stuffed tomato and place the cap back on the tomatoes, covering the filling. Cover the baking dish with a lid and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C. Bake for 60 minutes, until the tomatoes are tender and the filling is well cooked.

5. Serving:
Once the tomatoes have cooled slightly, serve them warm, alongside a glass of white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors. These stuffed tomatoes can be enjoyed as a main dish or as an appetizer.

A brief history:
Stuffed tomatoes have a long tradition in world cuisine, with variations that include various types of fillings, from meat to vegetables and grains. This specific recipe with ham and cheese has become popular due to its unique combination of flavors and textures, being a perfect example of transforming simple ingredients into something truly special.

Practical tips:
- Choosing tomatoes: Opt for meaty tomatoes that will hold up well during baking. Cherry tomatoes or those that are too small are not ideal for stuffing.
- Filling variations: You can add ingredients like olives, roasted peppers, or feta cheese to vary the taste. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add more vegetables.
- Storage: If there are leftover stuffed tomatoes, you can keep them in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheating can be done in the oven to maintain texture.

Nutritional benefits:
Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, especially lycopene, which supports heart health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, the filling with rice, ham, and cheese provides protein and carbohydrates, turning this dish into a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with mozzarella, goat cheese, or blue cheese for a different flavor.
- How can I make the stuffed tomatoes spicier? Add a little chili pepper or chili flakes to the filling mixture.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe by using tofu or tempeh instead of ham and vegan cheese.

Finish your meal with a light dessert, such as a fresh fruit salad or a citrus sorbet, which will perfectly complement the flavors of the stuffed tomatoes. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 12 healthy tomatoes (meaning large). 300 g of smoked pork ham. 400 g of grated cheese. 10 small whole mushrooms for chopping (from a can). 1 garlic clove. 1 bunch of parsley. 100 g of pre-cooked rice. salt, freshly ground pink pepper, dried tarragon and dried rosemary, dried vegetables from Delikat, which are salt-free (bio health food store).