Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes

Name: Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 3
Ingredients: 6 tomatoes; 1 cup quinoa; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup mushrooms; 1 cup feta cheese crumbles; Salt and pepper

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4.8 from 5 votes

Prep Time 15 min Cook Time 30 min Total Time 45 mins

Healthy

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Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: European Courses: Dinner, Appetizer, Lunch Recipe Keys: Gluten Free

Quick Meals

Vegetarian

Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 3 Best Season: Fall

Description

This recipe is not only delicious but also highly customizable. Feel free to add your favorite herbs, spices, or additional vegetables to the quinoa stuffing to suit your taste. It's a wholesome and satisfying dish that's perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Instructions

Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from the heat. Add the finely chopped mushrooms and feta cheese crumbles. Cover and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 375F /190C.
Slice the tops off the tomatoes and carefully scoop out the pulp and seeds using a spoon. Be gentle to avoid puncturing the tomato shells. Sprinkle the insides with a pinch of salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil.
Carefully stuff each hollowed-out tomato with the quinoa mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
Place the stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender.
Serve hot, and enjoy your quinoa stuffed tomatoes!

Equipment

Tips

Select large, ripe, and firm tomatoes for stuffing. Ripe tomatoes are sweeter and will provide a juicy and flavorful base for your dish. Make sure they are not overly soft or bruised.
When scooping out the tomato pulp and seeds, use a gentle hand to avoid puncturing or damaging the tomato shells.
Sprinkle a pinch of salt and drizzle some olive oil inside the hollowed-out tomato shells before filling them. This enhances the flavor of the tomatoes and helps prevent them from becoming too dry during baking.
Be creative with the quinoa stuffing. You can add a variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices to suit your taste. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and textures.
Ensure that the quinoa is fully cooked and tender before using it as a stuffing. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly to remove any bitterness, and cook it according to package instructions.
While it's tempting to stuff the tomatoes generously, avoid overstuffing, as this can make them difficult to bake evenly. Fill them to just below the top edge to allow room for expansion during cooking.
Baking times may vary depending on the size and ripeness of your tomatoes. Keep an eye on them, and if needed, bake for an extra few minutes until the tomatoes are tender.
Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro make excellent garnishes. They not only add flavor but also enhance the visual appeal of the dish. Consider adding a sprig or a few leaves on top of each stuffed tomato before serving.
Quinoa stuffed tomatoes are best served hot right out of the oven. The combination of the warm, flavorful stuffing and the juicy tomato is at its peak when enjoyed immediately.

Keywords: tomatoes, quinoa, mushrooms

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I use different types of tomatoes for stuffing?

Yes, you can use various types of tomatoes for stuffing, including beefsteak, Roma, or heirloom tomatoes. The choice of tomato can affect the texture and flavor of the dish, so select one that suits your preferences.

Do I need to precook the tomatoes before stuffing them?

No, you do not need to precook the tomatoes. They will soften and cook as they bake in the oven. Hollowing out the tomatoes and seasoning them with salt and oil before stuffing is sufficient.

Can I make quinoa stuffed tomatoes in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the quinoa stuffing and hollow out the tomatoes in advance. However, it's best to assemble and bake them just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.

How can I make quinoa stuffed tomatoes gluten-free?

Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, so as long as you choose gluten-free ingredients for the stuffing (such as gluten-free vegetable broth or any other condiments), your quinoa stuffed tomatoes will be gluten-free.

What can I serve quinoa stuffed tomatoes with?

Quinoa stuffed tomatoes can be served as a stand-alone dish or as part of a larger meal. They pair well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. They can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.

Can I make quinoa stuffed tomatoes vegan?

Absolutely! To make quinoa stuffed tomatoes vegan, you can use vegan cheese alternatives or simply skip the cheese entirely. Vegan stuffed tomatoes can be just as delicious and flavorful.

Can I make quinoa stuffed tomatoes spicy?

Yes, you can add a kick of heat to your quinoa stuffed tomatoes by incorporating ingredients like diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the quinoa stuffing. Adjust the level of spiciness to your preference.