Tangy Greek Gemista with Rice and Herbs

Name: Tangy Greek Gemista with Rice and Herbs
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 4 large tomatoes; 4 large bell peppers; 1 cup long-grain rice; 1 onion; 2 garlic cloves; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint; Salt and pepper; 1 cup tomato puree; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 teaspoon sugar; Salt and pepper; Fresh parsley; Lemon wedges

Traditional Greek stuffed tomatoes and peppers filled with aromatic rice and fresh herbs

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

1 h 45 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Vegetables

4 large tomatoes

4 large bell peppers

any color

For the Rice Filling

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

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato puree

1/4 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt and pepper

to taste

For the Garnish

Fresh parsley

chopped

Lemon wedges

Preparation

Preparing the Vegetables

Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prep Vegetables

Slice the tops off the tomatoes and peppers, removing the seeds and cores.

Scoop Tomatoes

Scoop out the insides of the tomatoes, reserving the juice and pulp.

Preparing the Rice Filling

Sauté Aromatics

In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until translucent.

Avoid overcooking the rice during the sauté phase, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

Add Tomato Paste

Add tomato paste, stirring for about 2 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Mix in rice, reserved tomato juice, parsley, mint, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Cooking Process

Stuff Vegetables

Fill each tomato and pepper with the rice mixture, leaving room for expansion.

Make Sauce

Combine tomato puree, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper; pour it over the stuffed vegetables in a baking dish.

Adding a pinch of sugar to the tomato sauce helps balance the flavors.

Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake until vegetables are tender and the rice is fully cooked.

Plating & Serving