Stuffed Tomatoes

Ingredients and Weight:

• 8 large tomatoes
• 1 pound (454g) ground meat (such as chicken, beef or pork)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 40 minutes
• Total: 60 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the tops off the tomatoes and set aside. Use a spoon to hollow out the tomatoes, leaving a small amount of flesh inside for stability.
3. In a bowl, mix the ground meat, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, olive oil, oregano, salt and pepper.
4. Fill the tomato shells with the meat mixture.
5. Place the stuffed tomatoes in an oven-safe dish and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the tomatoes are tender.
6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
7. Serve hot or warm as a side dish or a light meal.

Nutritional Information:

(Per serving, assuming equal distribution of ingredients)

• Calories: Approx. 250 calories per person (depending on meat type and amount used)
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 20g

Dish Characteristics:

• Hearty and flavorful, with a savory meat filling and a touch of Italian seasoning.
• The combination of tomato and meat creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
• The dish can be served as a side or as a main course, depending on the amount of meat used.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was delicious! The combination of flavors was perfect."
2. "My family loved this recipe. It's a great way to use fresh tomatoes from the market."
3. "I served this as a side dish for a dinner party and it was a hit! The meat filling was so tasty."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be careful not to overstuff the tomatoes, as they may collapse during baking.
• If using fresh basil, make sure it is washed and dried thoroughly before adding as a garnish.
• Adjust seasoning according to personal preference. You can add more oregano or other seasoning like garlic powder for more flavor.