Tianjin-style Stuffed Tomatoes (Tianjin Omathies)

Ingredients

In this Tianjin adaptation of Omathies, we incorporate Tianjin-style ground meat and spices to infuse the dish with the unique flavors of Tianjin cuisine. The traditional Greek herbs and spices are replaced with Tianjin-specific seasonings, resulting in a fusion of flavors that pays homage to both culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Omathies, so you can check it out.

• 6 large tomatoes 6 large tomatoes
• 250g (8.8 oz) ground pork 250g (8.8 oz) ground pork
• 250g (8.8 oz) ground beef 250g (8.8 oz) ground beef
• 1/2 cup (100g) cooked rice 1/2 cup (100g) cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Tianjin chili sauce 1 tablespoon Tianjin chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 4g
• Protein: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cut off the tops of the tomatoes and carefully scoop out the pulp and seeds. Set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, Tianjin chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. 4.
   Stuff each tomato with the meat and rice mixture, ensuring they are generously filled.
5. 5.
   Place the stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish and cover with the tomato tops.
6. 6.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the filling is cooked through.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground pork and beef — Ensure the meat is well-cooked to ensure food safety.
• Tianjin chili sauce — Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. Add more for a spicier kick or reduce for a milder flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with a mixture of cooked lentils and mushrooms.
• Serve the stuffed tomatoes with a side of Tianjin-style fried rice for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
• If you prefer a crispier tomato skin, broil the stuffed tomatoes for a few minutes after baking.
• Leftover stuffed tomatoes can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Tianjin-style Stuffed Tomatoes as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. The juicy tomatoes and flavorful filling make for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed tomatoes on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes and the enticing aroma of the filling will make for an appetizing presentation.