Savor the spectacular, healthy synthesis of succulent tomatoes combined with the nutty taste of quinoa and the crunchy texture of pine nuts, in a dish designed to whet your appetite while nurturing your heart’s health. Our star today – Stuffed Tomatoes with Quinoa and Pine Nuts – renders rustic elegance with its colorful presentation on a plate, painting a vivid tapestry of food art, from plump red tomato shells cradling crumbly quinoa, all liberally sprinkled with golden pine nuts.
Ingredients List
For our culinary rendezvous, we’ll need:
- 8 medium-sized ripe tomatoes
- 1 cup of cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup of pine nuts
- 2 cloves of finely chopped garlic
- 1 chopped onion
- A handful of fresh chopped basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Don’t fret if quinoa isn’t your grain of choice. You can easily replace it with brown rice or even couscous. Remember, a recipe is only a guideline; your palate is the ultimate judge!
Instructions
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees.
2. Decapitate the tomatoes gently and scoop out the pulp, cooking up a cozy nook for the stuffing. Keep the tops handy.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
4. Fold in the cooked quinoa and ladle the mixture into each tomato shell.
5. Sprinkle a riot of pine nuts and basil, then place the tomato tops back on.
6. Bake the tomatoes till they’re a delightful blush color and the pine nuts are toasted to a golden hue – usually around 20 to 25 minutes.
Cooking Time & Servings
The overall time, prepping tomatoes to basking in their warm, fresh-baked aroma, stands at approximately 40 minutes. This recipe is perfect to serve a gathering of four.
Nutritional Information
Each bite of our Stuffed Tomatoes with Quinoa and Pine Nuts is a symphony of heart-healthy nutrients. Did you know quinoa is rich in fiber and high-quality protein? Pine nuts, though small in size, pack a wallop of monounsaturated fats, beneficial for your cardiovascular system. Together, these ingredients make for a tasty powerhouse, chockfull of wellness. Each serving of this dish gives you 280 calories, 8g of protein, 16g of fat, and 30g of carbs.
Tips and Tricks
Play around with the stuffing. Maybe you fancy a little more kick? Add red pepper flakes. Cheese fan? Grate some goat cheese on top before baking for a splendid, melty covering. It’s worth remembering to choose ripe yet firm tomatoes for their ability to hold the filling and withstand the heat.
As a testament to the versatility and nutritious nature of earth’s gifts…
…the simple ingredients in this recipe combine to make a heart-healthy masterpiece. They play harmony and melody simultaneously, creating gastronomic music that’s almost too good to eat. We’d love to hear how your culinary adventure transpired – did you stay notorious to the recipe, or did you ride your culinary instincts?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this dish with green tomatoes?
Yes, but it slightly alters the flavor as green tomatoes are tangier than ripe ones.
- Is there a vegan alternative?
Absolutely! Substitute any animal-based ingredients with plant-based ones.
- Can I prep the stuffed tomatoes in advance?
Yes! You can stuff the tomatoes, keep them covered in the fridge, then bake just before serving.
- What can I serve this dish with?
This versatile dish pairs well with a green salad, grilled fish, or even a hearty soup.
- Can I refrigerate the leftover stuffed tomatoes?
Definitely! They can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated before serving.
So, what say you? Are you ready for a heart-healthy culinary adventure with our Stuffed Tomatoes with Quinoa and Pine Nuts? Let’s get cooking!
