Mediterranean Stuffed Tomatoes

These make a beautiful presentation and are a great twist on an old favorite

Yield: 6 servings (2 tomatoes per person)

Ingredients

12 each large tomatoes

2 teaspoons salt

Filling:

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 lb. extra lean ground beef

1 cup (1 medium) yellow onion, diced to 1/4 inch

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced to 1/4 inch

2 teaspoons garlic, fresh minced

1 cup Basmati rice or long grain rice

2 teaspoons salt

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, ground

1 cup tomatoes, chopped (reserved from earlier)

2 Tablespoons pinenuts, toasted

3 Tablespoons fresh dill, minced

2 Tablespoons fresh mint, minced

2 Tablespoons fresh oregano, minced

1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped

3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice, (1 lemon)

2 3/4 cups beef or chicken broth (2 cans, 14.5 oz. ea.)

Add To

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cut tops off of tomatoes about 3/4" down from top. Save for "lids". Using a spoon or melon baller, scoop out insides of tomatoes, leaving outer layer intact. Discard insides, or you can discard seeds, and save pulp for use in filling if desired.

Sprinkle inside of tomatoes with salt, and invert onto rack to drain. This will make the tomatoes firmer for baking. Let sit inverted while you prepare filling, at least 20 minutes.

To prepare filling:
Over high heat brown beef and onions in olive oil and cook until golden brown, 8-10 minutes.

Add bell pepper and garlic and stir in. Let cook 2 minutes.

Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Stir then reduce heat to simmer, and cover. Let cook for 10-15 minutes until liquid is just absorbed. Rice will still be a little chewy.

Stuff hollowed out tomatoes with about 1/2 cup of filling each, mounding slightly on top. Place in large baking dish, the tomatoes should just touch each other in the pan. Place tomato top "lids" back on tomatoes. Cover with foil and place in preheated oven.

Bake for 30-40 minutes until hot throughout. Tomatoes should still hold their shape.

Please note that some ingredients and brands may not be available in every store.

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