Delicious Summer Stuffed Vegetables (Gemista)

Good evening, my dear friends! The oven is working its magic, and I’m just about to enjoy these amazing summer stuffed vegetables for tomorrow. They’re filled with minced meat and rice – not with trahanas this time, haha! 😂 These are definitely a family favorite, bursting with the flavors of summer. 🍱❤️🍱❤️

Ingredients:

For the Stuffing:

• 500g minced beef or pork (or a mix of both)
• 1 cup rice (washed)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 ripe tomatoes, grated
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (pelte)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano (optional)
• Olive oil for sautéing
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Vegetables:

• 4-5 medium tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchinis (or a mix of your favorites)
• A small amount of olive oil to drizzle on top
• Extra salt and pepper to taste

---

How to Prepare These Summer Delights:

Prepare the Vegetables:

• Wash the tomatoes, peppers, or zucchinis and cut the tops off (like a lid). Hollow them out carefully, removing the seeds and flesh, but be sure to keep the walls intact.
• If you like, you can chop the scooped-out vegetable flesh and add it to the stuffing mixture.

Make the Stuffing:

• In a large pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and golden.
• Add the minced meat and cook until browned. Stir in the grated tomatoes, tomato paste, and rice. Add salt, pepper, and oregano (if using), and let it cook for a few minutes.
• Add a little water to the mixture, just enough to cook the rice (about 1/2 cup), and let it simmer until the rice is almost cooked through. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Stuff the Vegetables:

• Fill each hollowed vegetable with the rice and meat mixture, pressing gently to make sure the stuffing stays packed in.
• Arrange the stuffed vegetables in a baking dish, standing upright.

Bake to Perfection:

• Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed vegetables, and sprinkle a little extra salt and pepper on top.
• Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender and the rice is fully cooked.

Serve and Enjoy:

• Let them cool slightly before serving. These stuffed beauties make a great summer meal, full of flavor and freshness!

A Family Favorite!

These gemista are the perfect dish for any summer meal. Simple, delicious, and filling – it’s no wonder they’re loved by everyone. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Wishing you all a lovely evening, with lots of love and flavors of the season. 🍱