Name: Stuffed Vegetables with Rice
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil (A heart-healthy choice that adds richness to the filling.); 1 medium yellow onion (Ideal for sautéing, brings subtle sweetness when cooked.); 2 tablespoons tomato paste (Provides depth and umami, enhancing overall flavor profile.); 1 cup tomato sauce (Adds moisture and a tangy base for the rice mixture.); 2 cups short grain rice (Absorbs flavors beautifully, creating a creamy texture when cooked.); 1 cup fresh parsley (Brightens the dish with a burst of freshness and color.); 1 cup fresh cilantro (Adds a zesty touch that pairs well with spices.); 1 cup fresh dill (Offers a distinctive taste that enhances herbaceous notes.); 1 tablespoon dry mint (Introduces a refreshing element, often used in Middle Eastern cuisine.); 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (A classic seasoning that elevates the dish with warmth.); to taste salt (Enhances all flavors; adjust according to taste preferences.); 2 cups hot stock or water (The cooking medium that infuses the rice with savory goodness.); 1 cube bouillon cube (Adds an extra layer of flavor to your cooking liquid.); 1 tablespoon additional tomato paste (Use this for a richer sauce when simmering the dish.); 4 squash, pepper, or eggplant (Ideal for stuffing, holds the rice mixture well.); 20 leaves grape leaves (Perfect for wrapping the rice mixture, adding a unique twist.)

Description

Deliciously stuffed vegetables with a flavorful rice mixture, perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

3 tablespoons olive oil (A heart-healthy choice that adds richness to the filling.)
1 medium yellow onion (Ideal for sautéing, brings subtle sweetness when cooked.)
2 tablespoons tomato paste (Provides depth and umami, enhancing overall flavor profile.)
1 cup tomato sauce (Adds moisture and a tangy base for the rice mixture.)
2 cups short grain rice (Absorbs flavors beautifully, creating a creamy texture when cooked.)
1 cup fresh parsley (Brightens the dish with a burst of freshness and color.)
1 cup fresh cilantro (Adds a zesty touch that pairs well with spices.)
1 cup fresh dill (Offers a distinctive taste that enhances herbaceous notes.)
1 tablespoon dry mint (Introduces a refreshing element, often used in Middle Eastern cuisine.)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper (A classic seasoning that elevates the dish with warmth.)
to taste salt (Enhances all flavors; adjust according to taste preferences.)
2 cups hot stock or water (The cooking medium that infuses the rice with savory goodness.)
1 cube bouillon cube (Adds an extra layer of flavor to your cooking liquid.)
1 tablespoon additional tomato paste (Use this for a richer sauce when simmering the dish.)
4 squash, pepper, or eggplant (Ideal for stuffing, holds the rice mixture well.)
20 leaves grape leaves (Perfect for wrapping the rice mixture, adding a unique twist.)

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Instructions

In a large pan, pour in 3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, releasing a sweet aroma.
Mix in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the paste is well combined and darkens slightly in color.
Add the can of tomato sauce, 2 cups of short-grain rice, and all the fresh herbs: parsley, cilantro, dill, along with the dry mint, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Choose your favorite vegetables (squash, peppers, eggplant, or grape leaves) and carefully stuff them with the fragrant rice mixture, packing it gently to ensure a good fill.
In a separate pot, combine 2½ cups of hot stock or water with the bouillon cube and 1 teaspoon of tomato paste. Bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Pour the simmering cooking liquid over the stuffed vegetables. Cover and let them simmer according to the cooking instructions for the vegetables you’ve chosen, ensuring they become tender and flavorful.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the stuffed vegetables sit in the cooking liquid for a few minutes before serving.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the filling to your taste.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffed vegetable
Calories: 250
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 0mg