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1 Cup Short-Grain White Rice
6 Ripe But Firm Large Tomatoes
4 Tbsp. Olive Oil, Plus Extra for Drizzling
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 Garlic Clove, Minced
3 Tbps. Chopped Fresh Basil Leaves
2 Tbps. Chopped Fresh Italian Parsley Leaves
1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan
Cook the rice in a medium saucepan of boiling salted water,
stirring periodically, until just cooked through, about 10
minutes. Drain. Rinse the rice under cold running water. Set
the rice aside.
Preheat the oven to 350º. Cut a 1/2-inch thick slice
off the top of each tomato; reserve the tomato tops. Cut and
scoop the seeds, pulp, and juice from each tomato into a
small bowl. Reserve 1/4 cup of the tomato juice and pulp.
Oil the bottom of an 8 X 8-inch baking dish with 2
tablespoons of the olive oil. Place the hollowed tomatoes in
the prepared dish. Toss the rice with the reserved tomato
juice and pulp. Add garlic, basil, parsley, Parmesan, the
remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper,
to taste. Combine well. Spoon the rice mixture into the
hollowed tomatoes, mounding slightly. Sprinkle leftover
stuffing on the bottom of the pan. Drizzle entire dish with
olive oil. Place the reserved tomato slices atop the
tomatoes. Bake until the rice is heated through, about 20
minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature.
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