Jamie Oliver Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Stuffed Tomatoes are a flavour-packed, vibrant dish made by filling ripe tomatoes with a savoury mixture of rice, herbs, vegetables, and olive oil. They bake until the tomatoes soften and the filling becomes aromatic and tender. This recipe serves 4 people and takes around 45–55 minutes, making it perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or vegetarian main.

What Makes This Recipe Worth Making

• Fresh and wholesome
  Uses everyday ingredients like tomatoes, rice, herbs, and garlic for a nutritious, homey meal.
• Perfect vegetarian option
  A satisfying meat-free dish that still feels hearty and filling.
• Budget-friendly and simple
  Tomatoes and rice are inexpensive, yet the final dish tastes gourmet.
• Customisable with endless add-ins
  Cheese, veggies, and herbs can all be adjusted to suit your taste.
• Ideal for batch-cooking
  The stuffed tomatoes reheat beautifully and hold their shape well.

What are Jamie Oliver’s Stuffed Tomatoes?

Jamie Oliver’s Stuffed Tomatoes are oven-baked tomatoes filled with a seasoned rice mixture, combined with garlic, onions, herbs, and olive oil. The tomatoes roast gently, turning sweet and soft while the rice absorbs all the delicious juices.

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• Jamie Oliver Peppercorn Sauce
• Jamie Oliver Instant Pickled Onion
• Jamie Oliver Honey Roasted Carrots

Jamie Oliver Stuffed Tomatoes Ingredients List

• 8 medium ripe tomatoes
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small courgette, grated (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: ½ cup grated cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan)
• Optional: pinch of chilli flakes

How to Prepare Jamie Oliver Stuffed Tomatoes – Simple Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

Slice the tops off the tomatoes and scoop out the pulp. Keep the shells intact and save the pulp for later.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté chopped onion and garlic until soft and fragrant. This forms the base of the filling.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

Combine cooked rice, tomato pulp, herbs, sautéed vegetables, tomato purée, and seasoning. Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Stuff the Tomatoes

Spoon the rice mixture generously into each tomato. Press lightly so the filling is compact.

Step 5: Add Cheese if Using

Top each tomato with grated cheese to create a golden, bubbling finish.

Step 6: Bake Until Tender

Place the stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes until soft.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Serve immediately as a vegetarian main or alongside grilled meats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Jamie Oliver Stuffed Tomatoes

• Overfilling the tomatoes
  Too much filling can cause them to split during baking.
• Using unripe tomatoes
  Firm, unripe tomatoes won’t soften properly or release flavour.
• Skipping seasoning
  The filling needs salt and pepper for a balanced taste.
• Leaving the pulp out of the filling
  The pulp keeps the filling moist and flavourful.
• Baking at too high a heat
  High heat can burst the tomatoes before the filling heats through.

Delicious Ways to Serve Jamie Oliver Stuffed Tomatoes

• With green salad – Light and refreshing
  Balances the warm, savoury flavours.
• With grilled chicken – Protein pairing
  Makes a complete, wholesome meal.
• With crusty bread – Perfect for soaking juices
  Adds texture and heartiness.
• With pasta – an Italian-inspired combination
  A simple tomato pasta goes beautifully with stuffed tomatoes.
• With roasted vegetables – Vibrant plate
  Adds colour and nutrients to your meal.

Expert Tips for Better Flavour and Texture

• Use ripe tomatoes
  They soften easily and give a sweeter, richer taste.
• Add fresh herbs generously
  Basil or parsley brightens the entire dish.
• Mix in cheese for creaminess
  Melts into the filling and adds savoury richness.
• Add lemon zest
  Brings a subtle, fresh flavour to the mixture.
• Use slightly undercooked rice
  It finishes cooking inside the tomatoes, absorbing juices perfectly.

How to Add More Flavour to Jamie Oliver Stuffed Tomatoes

• Add sautéed mushrooms
  Gives depth and umami.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes
  Intensifies the tomato flavour.
• Add feta cheese
  Offers tang and creaminess.
• Mix in olives
  Adds saltiness and Mediterranean flavour.
• Add roasted garlic
  Boosts sweetness and richness.

How to Adjust Jamie Oliver Stuffed Tomatoes for Kids

• Use mild herbs
  Keep flavours soft and simple.
• Skip chilli flakes
  Ensures the filling is gentle and child-friendly.
• Add cheese
  Makes the filling creamy and appealing.
• Cut tomatoes smaller
  Easier for kids to enjoy and portion.
• Serve with rice or pasta
  Makes the dish more familiar to children.

Best Way to Store Leftovers

• Cool completely before storing
  Prevents condensation and sogginess.
• Use airtight containers
  Keeps flavours fresh for longer.
• Refrigerate for 3–4 days
  The tomatoes stay tender and flavourful.
• Freeze without cheese topping
  Freezes well for up to 2 months.
• Reheat gently
  Helps the tomatoes keep their shape.

Best Ways to Reheat Leftovers

• Oven: 180°C for 10–12 minutes
  Restores the texture and warmth evenly.
• Microwave: Short intervals
  Convenient for single servings.
• Air fryer: 3–4 minutes
  Adds a light crispness on top.
• Add a drizzle of olive oil
  Refreshes moisture and shine.
• Avoid overheating
  Prevents tomatoes from collapsing.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~180
• Protein: ~4g
• Carbohydrates: ~28g
• Fat: ~6g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Sugars: ~5g

FAQs

Why are my stuffed tomatoes turning watery?

Stuffed tomatoes become watery when the tomato pulp has too much liquid or if the tomatoes are overripe. To prevent this, strain the pulp before adding it to the filling and choose firm, ripe tomatoes that hold their shape during baking.

How do I keep stuffed tomatoes from falling apart in the oven?

Use medium-sized firm tomatoes, avoid overfilling, and bake at a moderate temperature. Placing them snugly in a baking dish also helps them stay upright and keeps their structure intact.

Can I make stuffed tomatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep them a few hours in advance and refrigerate until baking. You can also bake them ahead and reheat gently in the oven without losing flavour.

What can I use instead of rice in stuffed tomatoes?

You can replace rice with quinoa, couscous, bulgur, or even finely chopped vegetables. These alternatives keep the filling hearty while adding their own unique texture.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Stuffed Tomatoes are wholesome, colourful, and full of Mediterranean flavour. They’re easy to prepare, naturally nutritious, and perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. Simple ingredients come together to create a satisfying and flavour-rich dish.

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