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About Gemista
Gemista is a traditional Greek dish that literally translates to “stuffed tomatoes”. It’s a flavorful and nutritious meal that consists of juicy tomatoes filled with a savory rice mixture, often served at special occasions or family gatherings. The combination of tender tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and creamy rice creates a delightful harmony of textures and tastes.
Recipe: Gemista (Stuffed Tomatoes)
Ingredients:
For the filling:
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the tomatoes:
- 6 large ripe tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Cut off the tops of the tomatoes and scoop out the insides, leaving a shell about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a bowl, mix together the cooked rice, parsley, dill, feta cheese (if using), garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each tomato with the rice mixture, filling them as full as possible.
- Drizzle the tops of the tomatoes with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.
- Bake the gemista for 30-40 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender and the filling is lightly browned.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Tips:
- Choose ripe but firm tomatoes to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.
- You can adjust the amount of herbs and cheese to your taste preferences.
- For an extra boost of flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or zest to the filling mixture.
- Gemista is a great make-ahead dish; prepare the filling and stuff the tomatoes ahead of time, then bake just before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Greek-style stuffed tomatoes!
Text model: llama3
Image model: Shuttle3Diffusion
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