Welcome to RecipeArt! Today, I am excited to take you on a culinary journey to Argentina, where we’ll explore a delightful dish known as Argentine Stuffed Tomatoes. This mouthwatering Argentine Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe combines the freshness of tomatoes with the richness of Argentine flavors, resulting in a dish that’s as vibrant as the country itself.
The Essence of Argentine Cuisine
Argentina is a land of diverse landscapes and cultures, and its cuisine reflects this diversity beautifully. Known for its succulent meats, vibrant chimichurri sauce, and the love for all things grilled (asado), Argentine food is a true gastronomic adventure. But today, we’re focusing on a lesser-known gem – Argentine Stuffed Tomatoes.
A Healthy Twist on Argentine Cuisine
One of the things I love about Argentine Stuffed Tomatoes is its balance of flavors and its health-conscious approach. While many Argentine dishes are known for their hearty portions, this one offers a refreshing change. It’s perfect for those looking to enjoy Argentine flavors without the guilt.
Preparation Time:
25 minutes
Cooking Time:
25 minutes
Recipe Yield:
This Argentine Stuffed Tomatoes recipe yields 4 stuffed tomatoes.
Nutritional Information:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 280 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| – Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 320mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| – Sugars | 5g |
Ingredients You’ll Need for Argentine Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Ripe tomatoes | 4 |
| Cooked quinoa | 1 cup |
| Diced red bell pepper | ½ cup |
| Diced red onion | ½ cup |
| Cooked and shredded chicken breast | 1 cup |
| Fresh corn kernels | ½ cup |
| Chopped fresh parsley | 1 cup |
| Minced garlic | 2 cloves |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt and pepper | As per taste |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 2 tablespoons |
| Breadcrumbs | 2 tablespoons |
Preparing the Tomatoes
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your stuffed tomatoes bake to perfection.
- Next, carefully cut the tops off the tomatoes and gently scoop out the pulp, leaving a sturdy shell. Be sure not to puncture the skin.
- Season the inside of the tomato shells with a pinch of salt and pepper, then turn them upside down on a paper towel to drain any excess moisture.
Creating the Filling
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and red bell pepper, and sauté until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the cooked quinoa, shredded chicken (or black beans for the vegetarian option), corn kernels, and half of the chopped parsley to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the mixture to heat through.
- Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a dash of paprika or chili powder if you prefer a little heat.
- Finally, fold in the optional mozzarella cheese for an extra layer of creaminess. Remove the skillet from heat.
Stuffing and Baking
- Now comes the fun part – stuffing the tomatoes! Carefully fill each tomato with the quinoa and vegetable mixture, pressing it down gently to ensure they are tightly packed.
- In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and the remaining parsley. Sprinkle this mixture over the tops of the stuffed tomatoes for a delightful, crunchy finish.
- Place the stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish and bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender and the tops are golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once your Argentine Stuffed Tomatoes are out of the oven and have had a few minutes to cool, it’s time to savor the flavors. The aroma alone will transport you to the bustling streets of Buenos Aires!
These stuffed tomatoes make for an excellent main course, or you can serve them as a side dish alongside some Argentine grilled meats or a fresh salad. They’re versatile and can be tailored to your preferences, making them a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.
Tips and Tricks:
Choose Ripe Tomatoes: Select ripe, firm tomatoes with smooth skin for the best results. They should be sturdy enough to hold the stuffing but not overly soft.
Hollowing Tomatoes: When scooping out the tomato pulp, use a sharp knife and a spoon. Be gentle to avoid puncturing the tomato skin.
Drain the Tomatoes: After hollowing the tomatoes, turn them upside down on a paper towel to drain any excess moisture. This prevents your stuffing from becoming too watery during baking.
Customize the Filling: Feel free to get creative with the filling. You can add ingredients like diced zucchini, olives, or chopped spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
Precook Ingredients: If you’re using raw ingredients like uncooked chicken or rice, make sure to precook them before incorporating them into the stuffing mixture.
Final Thoughts
Argentine Stuffed Tomatoes are a delightful way to experience the flavors of Argentina in a healthier and unique way. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable and satisfying. So, roll up your sleeves, grab those ripe tomatoes, and embark on a journey to Argentina from the comfort of your own kitchen. Enjoy the rich flavors, and don’t forget to share this delightful dish with friends and family – they’re sure to be impressed!
Printable Recipe:
Argentine Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- Ripe tomatoes 4
- Cooked quinoa 1 cup
- Diced red bell pepper ½ cup
- Diced red onion ½ cup
- Cooked and shredded chicken breast 1 cup
- Fresh corn kernels ½ cup
- Chopped fresh parsley 1 cup
- Minced garlic 2 cloves
- Olive oil 2 tablespoons
- Salt and pepper As per taste
- Shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup
- Grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons
- Breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your stuffed tomatoes bake to perfection.
- Next, carefully cut the tops off the tomatoes and gently scoop out the pulp, leaving a sturdy shell. Be sure not to puncture the skin.
- Season the inside of the tomato shells with a pinch of salt and pepper, then turn them upside down on a paper towel to drain any excess moisture.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and red bell pepper, and sauté until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the cooked quinoa, shredded chicken (or black beans for the vegetarian option), corn kernels, and half of the chopped parsley to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the mixture to heat through.
- Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a dash of paprika or chili powder if you prefer a little heat.
- Finally, fold in the optional mozzarella cheese for an extra layer of creaminess. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Now comes the fun part – stuffing the tomatoes! Carefully fill each tomato with the quinoa and vegetable mixture, pressing it down gently to ensure they are tightly packed.
- In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and the remaining parsley. Sprinkle this mixture over the tops of the stuffed tomatoes for a delightful, crunchy finish.
- Place the stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish and bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender and the tops are golden brown.
Notes
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make Argentine Stuffed Tomatoes vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely! Instead of using shredded chicken, you can substitute it with black beans, tofu, or your favorite plant-based protein for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I use other types of cheese for the topping?
Yes, you can get creative with the cheese topping. Mozzarella and Parmesan work wonderfully, but you can also experiment with cheddar, feta, or any cheese that melts well and complements the dish.
How do I choose the best tomatoes for this recipe?
Look for ripe but firm tomatoes with smooth, unblemished skin. Beefsteak or Roma tomatoes are great choices because they hold their shape well during baking.
Can I prepare Argentine Stuffed Tomatoes in advance?
While the best flavor comes from serving them fresh, you can prepare the stuffing mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Fill the tomatoes and bake when you’re ready to enjoy.
Are there any gluten-free alternatives for the breadcrumbs?
Certainly! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
