Main Course · Dinner · Mediterranean ·

Tangy Greek Gemista with Rice and Herbs

Name: Tangy Greek Gemista with Rice and Herbs
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 4 large tomatoes; 4 large bell peppers, any color; 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup tomato puree; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 teaspoon sugar; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped; Lemon wedges

A classic Greek dish where juicy tomatoes and peppers are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice and herbs, then baked to perfection.

4.6(265 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 9, 2025

Tangy Greek Gemista with Rice and Herbs — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

35 min

Cook

1 h 45 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Stuffed Vegetables

For the Rice Filling

For the Sauce

For the Garnish

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 399 kcal
Protein: 4.5 g
Carbs: 35.5 g
Fat: 27.5 g
Fiber: 4.75 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1594 kcal
Protein: 18 g
Carbs: 142 g
Fat: 110 g
Fiber: 19 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
4 large tomatoes	120	3	28	1	8
4 large bell peppers any color	120	4	28	0	4
1 cup long-grain rice rinsed	200	4	44	0	1
1 onion finely chopped	40	1	9	0	1
2 garlic cloves minced	8	0	2	0	0
1/4 cup olive oil	480	0	0	54	0
2 tablespoons tomato paste	30	1	7	0	1
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley	11	1	2	0	1
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint	4	0	1	0	0
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
1 cup tomato puree	80	4	16	1	4
1/4 cup olive oil	480	0	0	54	0
1 teaspoon sugar	16	0	4	0	0
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Fresh parsley chopped	0	0	0	0	0
Lemon wedges	5	0	1	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Vegetables

1
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Prep Vegetables
Slice the tops off the tomatoes and peppers, removing the seeds and cores.
3
Scoop Tomatoes
Scoop out the insides of the tomatoes, reserving the juice and pulp.

Preparing the Rice Filling

1
Sauté Aromatics
In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
Tip: Avoid overcooking the rice during the sauté phase, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
2
Add Tomato Paste
Add tomato paste, stirring for about 2 minutes.
3
Combine Ingredients
Mix in rice, reserved tomato juice, parsley, mint, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

How to Make Tangy Greek Gemista with Rice and Herbs

Total time: 2 h 20 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Stuff Vegetables
Fill each tomato and pepper with the rice mixture, leaving room for expansion.
2
Make Sauce
Combine tomato puree, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper; pour it over the stuffed vegetables in a baking dish.
3
Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake until vegetables are tender and the rice is fully cooked.