These stuffed tomatoes with rice are colorful, comforting and easy to prepare with simple vegetables.
The filling combines cooked rice, zucchini, carrot, onion and herbs, then bakes inside juicy tomatoes until tender.
Cut the tops off the tomatoes and keep them aside. Scoop out the inside carefully, leaving the tomato shells firm enough to hold the filling.
Heat the olive oil in a pan. Add the onion, zucchini and carrot, then cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Season with herbs, salt and black pepper.
Stir the cooked rice into the vegetables. Add a little chopped tomato pulp if the filling needs moisture, but avoid making it watery.
Spoon the rice mixture into the tomatoes. Place them in a baking dish, add the tops, and bake at 180°C for 25 to 30 minutes until tender.
Choose firm tomatoes that can hold their shape while baking. If they are very juicy, sprinkle the inside lightly with salt and drain them upside down for 10 minutes.
Stuffed tomatoes with rice and vegetables are simple, bright and satisfying. They make a useful meat-free dish with ingredients that are easy to find.