Greek-Style Gemista - Stuffed Tomatoes, Eggplant & Zucchini
Ingredients List:
- 2 tomatoes
- 2 eggplants
- 2 zucchini
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- Bunch of parsley & mint
- 1/3 cup Greek extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 2 tbsp. tomato paste
- 2 cups water
- Salt & pepper to taste
Method:
- Preheat oven to 400*f / 200*c
- In a large bowl combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, rice and half of the olive oil and mix well
- Mix tomato paste and water and add half to meat mixture
- Carefully remove tops of the veggies to be stuffed and hollow out
- BEFORE stuffing, pierce veggies with knife throughout (see video)
- Stuff veggies almost full (rice expands)
- Place in pan, pour remaining tomato paste mixture over stuffed veggies, drizzle with olive oil and cover
- Bake at 400* for 1 hour covered and 1 more hour uncovered or until veggies have browned
Notes & Tips:
- Omit ground beef for vegan option
- Serve with feta cheese & fresh bread
- Vegetarian option can be also served as a side
- Reduce cook time by 45 minutes for vegetarian option
YOUTUBE VIDEO
