Greek Stuffed Tomatoes “Gemista”

These Greek Stuffed Tomatoes, “Gemista,” as they are known in Greek culture, make a deliciously hearty meal or side. Gemista translates to “stuffed” in Greek. Gemista recipes often use tomatoes as the base to stuff savory ingredients into, but this dish can actually be made with many other types of vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, and even onions. If you want to add more protein to this recipe, you can easily add some ground meat or plant-based/vegan “meat” options.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients:

4 Tbsp. Journey Spice Co. Organic Mediterranean Herb Blend (more or less depending on preference).

6 large tomatoes

3 cups Yukon gold potatoes, diced

1 small red onion, minced

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes

1 cup feta

1/2 cup white uncooked rice (or other type of rice if preferred. We used a wild rice blend)

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup pine nuts

1/4 cup black olives, chopped

1/4 cup white wine

2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Optional: A few pinches of salt on the potatoes

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Slice the top quarter off the tomatoes and set the tops aside. Scoop out the pulp of the tomatoes and discard any hard pieces. Set the pulp aside.
  3. Toss the potatoes in 1 Tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil and place them in a 9×13 baking pan. Add a few pinches of salt if preferred. Sprinkle the potatoes with about 1/2 Tbsp. of Journey Spice Co. Organic Mediterranean Herb Blend.
  4. Place the tomatoes over the potatoes.
  5. Heat 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onions and minced garlic for five minutes.
  6. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato pulp, white wine, rice, and water to the saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes.
  7. Turn off the heat and add the pine nuts, olives, feta, and about 3 1/2 Tbsp. Journey Spice Co. Organic Mediterranean Herb Blend (more or less to suit your preference). Stir the ingredients together well.
  8. Stuff each tomato with the filling and place the tomato top on each tomato.
  9. Place the tomatoes in your oven and bake for 1 hour.

Nutrition Per Serving (This is an estimate and actual nutrition information varies depending on the exact ingredients used):

351 Calories

16g Fat

41g Carbs

7g Sugar

10g Protein

385mg Sodium

8g Fiber

Makes about 6 Servings