Gourmet Stuffed Tomatoes

Ingredients

• Tomatoes (4 large, ripe)
• Cooked rice (1 cup)
• Bell pepper (1 medium, diced)
• Onion (1 medium, finely chopped)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, for topping)
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Carefully cut off the tops of the tomatoes and scoop out the seeds and pulp using a spoon. Reserve the pulp for later use if desired.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, diced onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped basil, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
4. Stuff each hollowed tomato generously with the rice mixture, pressing down lightly to pack it in.
5. Place the stuffed tomatoes upright in a baking dish. If desired, you can mix some of the reserved tomato pulp into the filling for added moisture and flavor.
6. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the tops of each stuffed tomato.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the tomatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delicious stuffed tomatoes warm as an appetizer or a delightful side dish.