Saturday 17 August 2024

Guido's Family Recipe ‘Pomodori col Riso’ (baked rice-filled tomatoes)

Guido's family recipe for Pomodori col Riso

 
‘Pomodori col Riso’ (baked rice-filled tomatoes) is a classic Italian Summer dish with variations in different regions. This is the roman version, that my nonna and mamma used to make, with roast potatoes added to it. Traditionally, it’s served at room temperature and enjoyed at picnics on the beach.

Pomodori col Riso

Ingredients (serves 6): 6 large ripe tomatoes, 500g (17.6 oz) of potatoes, 1 clove of garlic, 6 tbsp ‘arborio’ or ‘ribe’ uncooked rice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, salt and fresh basil to taste.

Method: Cut off the ‘top cap’ of the tomatoes and put it aside. With a teaspoon, carefully scoop out the tomato pulp. Put the tomato shells upside- down onto a plate to draw out excess liquid. In the meantime, cut the tomato pulp very fine into a bowl and keep 3 tbsp of it aside. Add olive oil, salt, pepper, fresh basil and rice to the tomato pulp.

Turn on the convection oven at 170ºC (338ºF). Dice potatoes to your favourite ‘roasting’ size and then place them into an oven dish with a swirl of olive oil, salt to taste, 1 whole clove of garlic (skin on) and the little tomato pulp you already put aside. Put the emptied tomatoes in the dish among the potatoes. Put just a tablespoon of rice mixture in each tomato. Cover each tomato with its cap. Top with another swirl of olive oil.Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until rice is aldente and tomatoes are slightly caramelised.

Serve hot, cold, or at room temperature. Great to take on a picnic or to a friend's home to share. Enjoy!





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