Baked Tomatoes Stuffed with Orzo

Elevate your dinner table with these Baked Tomatoes Stuffed with Orzo, a vibrant Mediterranean dish that's as visually stunning as it is delicious. Large, juicy tomatoes are hollowed out and filled with a medley of tender orzo pasta, sautéed spinach, crumbled feta, and fresh basil—all brought together with the natural sweetness of tomato pulp and the aromatic kick of garlic. Baked to perfection, the tomatoes achieve a delicate balance of softness while still holding their form, making them an ideal vessel for the flavorful, cheesy filling. A sprinkle of parmesan adds a golden crust for an optional touch of indulgence. Perfect as a light main course or a unique side dish, these stuffed tomatoes are a satisfying combination of fresh, wholesome ingredients and easy preparation, ready in under an hour.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 large ripe tomatoes
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 0.5 cup tomato pulp (scooped from tomatoes)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Slice off the tops of the tomatoes and carefully scoop out the pulp and seeds using a spoon, being careful not to puncture the skin. Set the tomato shells aside and reserve 1/2 cup of the pulp.

Step 3

Cook the orzo pasta in a pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 4

In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, sautéed spinach, crumbled feta cheese, chopped basil, reserved tomato pulp, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 7

Place the hollowed-out tomatoes in a baking dish. Spoon the orzo mixture into each tomato, packing it gently and mounding the top slightly.

Step 8

If desired, sprinkle the tops of the stuffed tomatoes with grated parmesan cheese.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and the filling is heated through.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1269.1 grams (1269.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1724

Total Fat 75.80g	97%
Saturated Fat 32.60g	163%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 154mg	51%
Sodium 4096mg	178%
Total Carbohydrate 191.80g	70%
Dietary Fiber 21.40g	76%
Total Sugars 25.50g
Protein 77.10g	154%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1227mg	94%
Iron 10mg	56%
Potassium 2107mg	45%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.8%

Protein: 17.5%

Carbs: 43.6%