About the dish:
Yemista, also known as Greek stuffed vegetables, is a popular and delicious dish that showcases the flavors of fresh vegetables filled with a flavorful rice and herb mixture. The word "yemista" translates to "stuffed" in Greek, and it refers to a variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and eggplants that are hollowed out and filled with a savory stuffing.The dish is often enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish, served with a side of Greek salad and some crusty bread. Yemista is a versatile recipe, allowing you to adapt it to your preferences by using different vegetables or adding ingredients like pine nuts or raisins to the stuffing mixture. It's a fantastic way to savor the flavors of the Mediterranean and enjoy a wholesome and vibrant meal. Here's a recipe to make Yemista:
Recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice off the tops of the tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and eggplants. Hollow out the vegetables, removing the seeds and pulp, using a spoon or a small knife. Set aside.
- n a large bowl, combine the rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped mint, chopped dill, olive oil, tomato paste, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Stuff each vegetable with the rice and herb mixture, filling them generously but leaving a bit of space at the top for the rice to expand.
- Place the stuffed vegetables in a baking dish or roasting pan. Drizzle some olive oil over the top of each vegetable.
- Pour the vegetable or chicken broth into the bottom of the baking dish, surrounding the stuffed vegetables.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the rice is cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the tops of the vegetables are slightly browned.
- Once cooked, remove the Yemista from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Serve the Yemista warm or at room temperature, drizzled with some of the cooking juices from the pan.
