Tomato & Pepper Dolmas

Submitted by ncmysteryshopper

"These colorful stuffed vegetables make a delicious and beautiful accompaniment to virtually any main dish or they can be simply eaten for a light summer dinner. This recipe was created for RSC #7!"

 

• Ready In: 50mins
• Ingredients: 16
• Serves: 4-6

ingredients

• 3 large tomatoes
• 3 large bell peppers (Yellow, Green, Orange, Red, or a mixture of colors)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1⁄4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 2 garlic cloves, Minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta, cooked (parboiled for about 4-5 minutes and drained)
• 1⁄4 cup hot water, and additional
• 1⁄3 cup hot water
• 1⁄3 cup dates, chopped
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of fresh mint, chopped (optional)
• 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese or 1/4 cup feta cheese
• 1⁄4 cup pistachios, chopped (optional)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cut off the tops of the large Tomatoes (set tops aside) and scoop out the insides; put all juices and pulp into a food processor or blender and puree; set aside.
3. Cut the tops off the Bell Peppers (set tops aside), remove the innards and parboil the Peppers 4 to 5 minutes.
4. Mix Salt and Brown Sugar together and sprinkle on the insides of the peppers and tomatoes.
5. Heat 1/8 cup of the oil in sauté pan over medium heat; add Onions and cook until translucent: add Garlic, Orzo, ¼ cup hot water, Chopped Dates, the Tomato Puree, Cinnamon, Parsley and Mint; reduce to low and simmer uncovered until all liquid is absorbed (6-8 minutes).
6. Put empty Peppers and Tomatoes in a small casserole or baking dish, letting them touch for support; loosely fill Peppers and Tomatoes with the Orzo mixture, sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese or Feta and Nuts (optional) and replace tops.
7. Pour 1/3 cup Hot Water into the dish; spoon the remaining Oil evenly over vegetables; Bake for about ½ an hour; occasionally basting with the juices.
8. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Reviews

[KmartKlutz]

I made these last night to go along with a steak dinner and they were a hit. These are a winner in my book and we will make them often. Great blend of flavors!

 

[grovinchicken]

Beautiful when made.These looked great a excellent side dish .Kind of reminded me of mary poppins...perfect in every way.

 

[Geema]

We loved this creative, taste sensation for a lovely lunch. The sweet/savory combination was what intrigued us and the chopped mint really made the dish special. Other than adjusting some of the cooking times to accomodate the size of my vegetables, I followed the easy to understand instructions and got perfect results. I can't wait to make this as a starter for my next dinner party. Congratulations to the chef for an excellent recipe.