Vegetable and Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes

Vegetable and Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes are a delicious and easy way to enjoy your favorite summer vegetables. The tomatoes are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of quinoa, bell pepper, zucchini, carrots, onion, and cilantro, and then baked until tender. This dish is a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables, and it's also a good source of protein and fiber.

Stuffed tomatoes are a classic summer dish, and there are many different ways to make them. This recipe is a simple and flavorful version that uses quinoa as the main ingredient. Quinoa is a gluten-free grain that is packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying choice for stuffing tomatoes. The other vegetables in this recipe add sweetness, crunch, and flavor, and the cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note. The result is a dish that is both delicious and nutritious.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 6 ripe tomatoes
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the tomatoes and scoop out the pulp, leaving a 1/2-inch-thick shell.
3. In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, bell pepper, zucchini, carrots, onion, cilantro, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the tomato shells with the quinoa mixture.
5. Place the stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the quinoa is cooked through.
6. Let cool slightly before serving.

Why It Works

• The combination of quinoa, vegetables, and herbs creates a flavorful and satisfying filling.
• Baking the tomatoes helps to concentrate their flavors and create a tender texture.
• The addition of olive oil helps to keep the filling moist and flavorful.