Orzo is a short pasta, shaped like a large grain of rice, and also known as risoni.
This classic stuffed tomato recipe works best with beef tomatoes on the vine and is an ideal recipe for Succot.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time:1 hour 15 mins Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 4 large beef tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 red onion – peeled and finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 large cloves garlic – peeled and finely chopped
For the Stuffing:
- 2 tablespoons capers – drained
- 100g orzo
- 50ml white wine
- 200ml vegetable stock
- 2 tablespoons parsley – finely chopped
- Base dressing: 4 tablespoons pesto – (non-dairy / vegan optional)
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F / Gas mark 4.
2. Using a serrated knife, cut off the lids of the tomatoes (keep for serving) and a thin slither off the base if uneven. Using the knife, then a teaspoon, carefully scoop out the seeds and flesh from the middle, leaving a hollow cavity.
3. Drizzle the inside with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Heat the oil in a frying pan and gently sauté the onion until just soft. Add the paprika and garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the capers, orzo, wine and stock. Simmer for 8 – 10 minutes or until the orzo has absorbed all the liquid but is not quite tender.
5. Season well and then add the parsley.
6. Spoon into the prepared tomato shells and press down the mixture tightly. Add the tops back on.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 50 – 60 minutes, or until tomatoes are soft when pressed.
8. To serve, spread a tablespoon of pesto on the base of the plate and top with the cooked stuffed tomato.
Denise’s Kitchen
Denise Phillips is one of Britain’s leading Jewish chefs. Trained at Prue Leith. She has written 7 popular books and has run a cookery school for over 20 years. Her passion is traditional Jewish food with a modern twist.
Through her books, weekly newspaper columns, and master classes she has developed a tasty collection of Jewish food, and her enticing and stylish recipes are an original blend of the old and the new. In addition, Denise has created the very successful Date On A Plate concept; cookery classes for singles providing singles of all ages an excellent way of networking and meeting new people.
An excellent and inspiring teacher, Denise also runs cookery events for corporates, events that both entertain and assist with team building and the learning of new culinary skills.
For more information on Denise, her events, charity work, Gift vouchers and cookbooks see her comprehensive website: www.jewishcookery.com
