Risotto And Pesto Stuffed Tomatoes Recipes

RISOTTO-STUFFED TOMATOES

Steps:

• Slice the tops off the tomatoes and set aside. Scoop out the seeds and pulp from the tomatoes with a teaspoon, but be careful not to cut through to the base. Chop the pulp and keep the seeds, but discard the hard, central cores.
• Heat the oil in a medium saucepan and tip in the rice. Fry gently over a low heat for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to stop the rice from browning, then add the scallions, zucchini and mushrooms and fry gently for 2 more minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 375°F Pour in the stock then stir in the dried herbs, tomato pulp and seeds - the seeds will add fibre, and won't be noticeable in the finished dish.
• Cook gently for about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently until the rice is tender and the stock has been absorbed - add extra stock or water if necessary.
• Turn off the heat, tear the basil leaves into the pan and scatter with parmesan. Season with salt and pepper and stir well.
• Put the tomatoes in an ovenproof dish and fill each one generously with the risotto.
• Replace tomato tops and bake, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes until the tomatoes are tender. Cool for 5 minutes, then serve with a few arugula leaves on top.

PESTO STUFFED TOMATOES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300°F or 150°C (the lower temperature helps to stop the tomatoes from splitting).
• Cook the rice in the hot water, simmering over a low heat in a covered pan for around 20 minutes, until all the water has been absorbed.
• Meanwhile, slice the tops off the tomatoes, just enough to reveal the seeds. Also cut a fine slice from the bottom of each tomato, so they can stand up straight but not enough to leave a hole.
• Scoop the core and seeds out of each tomato to leave a shell, being careful to leave the base of the tomato intact.
• When the rice is fully cooked, remove from the heat.
• Add the pesto sauce, pine nuts, parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of the grated mozzarella cheese. Stir to mix well.
• Spoon the mixture carefully into each tomato shell, until level with the top of the tomato, pressing down with the spoon so the filling is firmly packed in.
• Place the other 1/8 cup of grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the filled tomatoes.
• Bake on a baking tray lined with foil for around 20 minutes, until the tomatoes are softened and the mozzarella is just turning golden.
• Enjoy!