Ingredients

6 round tomatoes ( medium sized )
5 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves , Chopped
1 cup long-grain rice ( basmati )
1 cup water
1 stalk celery
1 small onion
4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
12 springs of your favorite herbs ( basil or thyme works nice here )
breadcrumbs ( optional )
Pomodori Con Riso is an Italian classic that translates to 'Tomatoes with rice.' This simple but flavorful dish is made by stuffing tomatoes with a seasoned rice mixture and baking them in the oven until they're tender. It's a popular dish in the summer months when tomatoes are in abundance and serve as a refreshing veggie fix. It's easy to prepare and adaptable, making it perfect to serve alongside a range of other Italian dishes.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2.Slice off the top of each tomato and scoop out the insides. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
3.In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for a minute.
4.Add the rice and stir to coat it in the oil, and then add water.
5.Add chopped celery and onion and bring the mixture to a boil.
6.Reduce heat, cover the pan, and simmer for about 18 minutes or until the rice is cooked through. Remove from heat.
7.In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, herbs, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
8.Stuff the tomato shells with the rice mixture and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top (optional).
9.Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender.

PROS

Pomodori Con Riso is a simple and satisfying dish that’s perfect to serve as a side or as a light dinner.
The dish is vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a dietary-friendly option that can please everyone.
The combination of tomatoes, rice, and herbs is mouth-watering, and the breadcrumbs add a nice texture to the dish.

CONS

This dish may not be suitable for people who don’t like tomatoes or who are looking for a low-carb meal.
The addition of cheese and breadcrumbs may make the dish a bit high in calories and fat.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect against heart disease and certain types of cancer. Rice, on the other hand, is a good source of carbohydrates that provides energy to the body. Herbs, such as thyme and basil that are used in this recipe, are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that promote good health.

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