Stuffed Tomatoes with Pine Nuts – How to Prepare Stuffed Tomatoes with Pine Nuts

Stuffed Tomatoes with Pine Nuts – How to Prepare Stuffed Tomatoes with Pine Nuts

Stuffed tomatoes with pine nuts is a popular dish in Arab countries, especially in Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt. It is served as a main dish for lunch and is known for its delicious aroma and unique taste. Although it requires some time to prepare, it is relatively easy to make.

This recipe serves four people and takes about 30 minutes to cook.

Main Ingredients for Stuffed Tomatoes with Pine Nuts:

 

• ½ cup of Egyptian rice (short-grain rice)
• 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil
• 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons of pine nuts
• ¼ teaspoon of mixed spices
• ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 2 cups of lukewarm water
• 8 large tomatoes
• 200 grams of finely ground beef
• 1 tablespoon of finely chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon of dried mint

Serving Ingredients:

• Yogurt (optional)

How to Prepare Stuffed Tomatoes with Pine Nuts:

Step 1:
Start by washing the rice several times, then leave it to soak in a bowl for 30 minutes. In the meantime, heat the sunflower oil in a deep, medium-sized pot over medium heat, then add the chopped onion. Stir until the onion turns golden. Add the pine nuts, taking care not to burn them, and continue stirring until they also become golden.

Step 2:
Next, add the mixed spices, ground black pepper, ground cinnamon, salt, and 1 cup of lukewarm water. Drain the rice well and add it to the pot, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Let the mixture cook over medium heat for 10 minutes until the rice is partially cooked. Allow the rice to cool completely before mixing in the ground beef and chopped parsley, creating the rice and meat filling.

Step 3:
Take the large tomatoes and carefully slice off the tops. Using a small spoon, scoop out the seeds as much as possible. Place the hollowed tomatoes in a baking dish, and stuff each tomato with a suitable amount of the rice and meat mixture.

Step 4:
Pour the remaining cup of water around the tomatoes in the baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven on the middle rack at 180°C (350°F).

Step 5:
Let the dish bake for 25–30 minutes until the tomatoes are fully cooked. Once done, remove them from the oven, transfer to a serving dish, and serve hot, optionally accompanied by yogurt.

And that’s how you prepare this delicious recipe! Enjoy your stuffed tomatoes with pine nuts!