Vera Cruz Tomatoes

Bring a vibrant taste of coastal Mexico to your table with Vera Cruz Tomatoes, a stunning stuffed tomato recipe bursting with fresh, zesty flavors. This dish features large, ripe tomatoes filled with a savory blend of sautéed onions, garlic, green bell pepper, black olives, and briny capers, all mixed with fluffy white rice and aromatic oregano. Baked to perfection, the stuffed tomatoes develop a tender texture that pairs beautifully with the vibrant filling. A squeeze of lime at the end adds a bright tangy finish, while fresh cilantro enhances the lively Mediterranean-Mexican flair. Perfect as a light entrée or an elegant side dish, these baked Vera Cruz Tomatoes are a flavorful, healthy option that’s both easy to prepare and visually stunning for any occasion.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces large ripe tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small, diced yellow onion
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 0.5 medium, diced green bell pepper
• 0.25 cup, chopped black olives
• 1 tablespoon capers
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 cup cooked white rice
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh cilantro
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium, cut into wedges for serving lime

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cut the tops off the tomatoes and carefully scoop out the seeds and pulp with a spoon, creating hollow cavities. Reserve the pulp in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 3

In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and diced green bell pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the reserved tomato pulp, black olives, capers, and dried oregano to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked rice, chopped cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 7

Fill each hollowed tomato with the vegetable and rice mixture, packing it gently but firmly.

Step 8

Place the stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish. If any filling remains, arrange it around the base of the tomatoes in the dish.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the filling is heated through.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm with lime wedges on the side for a bright and tangy finish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1116.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	609.4

Total Fat 34.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1876.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 73.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.1g	0%
Total Sugars 25.2g
Protein 11.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 184.0mg	0%
Iron 6.9mg	0%
Potassium 2157.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.3%

Protein: 7.2%

Carbs: 45.5%