Authentic Greek Gemista – A Classic Summer Dish

Hi everyone,

We had a break from this heatwave we have been having in Europe. So, I worked my oven!! What does Gemista mean for me? For me, Gemista Greek stuffed tomatoes and peppers means a whole lot of yummyness.  It fills the kitchen with the smell of herbs and sweet summer vegetables. Every Greek household has its own version, and every cook swears theirs is the best. But the truth is, Gemista is one of those dishes that simply can’t go wrong. It’s humble, comforting, and deeply tied to our Mediterranean summers.

In Greece, you’ll find tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and zucchini piled high at the farmers’ markets, looking ready to be stuffed. hehhee.  My mom always made Gemista in big trays enough to feed everyone and still have leftovers for the next day, when the flavors somehow become even better.  I do the same thing; I make around 20 gemista. 🙂 But not this time around; I made 14 portions hahahhah

This time I went with tomatoes and red bell peppers, and I have to admit the sweetness of both vegetables was amazing. I usually make the rice filling the day before, so it has plenty of time to rest, and the flavors blend beautifully.  The best rice to use is actually risotto rice, because it cooks better.  If you prefer the rice to be al dente, then you can use long grain.  But I don’t advise it, but some people do, for some reason, prefer the texture al dente.

This recipe is packed with mouthwatering ingredients like garlic, onions, and all those yum‑yum goodies we can never resist. And when everything cooks together? Ohhh, this dish doesn’t just pop… it popssssss with flavor! Honestly, this is one of the reasons I adore Greek cuisine so much. There are endless delicious options for vegetarians and vegans, and just as many for everyone else.

Let me let you in on a little secret or tip, especially for those of you who haven’t had the chance to visit Greece yet. Walk into any traditional Greek taverna, and I promise you, the first dish you’ll spot on the menu is Moussaka. Right after that? Yep, you guessed it: Gemista! This duo is the star of Greek comfort food.

Have a great morning/afternoon/evening, everyone!! 🙂

Authentic Greek Gemista

foodzesty

Tomatoes and peppers are stuffed with a delicious mixture of rice, herbs, onions, and plenty of good olive oil, then slowly baked until tender and beautifully caramelized.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 20 portions

Ingredients

  

• 7 tomatoes
• 7 red bell peppers
• 2 cups arborio rice
• 2 onions
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp fresh or dry mint
• 1 can chopped tomatoes
• 1 ½ tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup fresh parsley
• ¼ cup fresh dill optional
• ¾ cup olive oil
• 6 tbsp Parmesan or Kefalotyri cheese (any salty cheese)
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp pepper

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 180℃.
• Start by slicing the lid off the 7 tomatoesUse a knife to cut around the inside of the tomato and a spoon to remove the flesh and seeds.
• Remove the lids of the 7 red bell peppers and wash thoroughly to remove the seeds.
• Place the vegetables in a large baking pan. 
• Place the tomato flesh into a food processor.
• Add the 2 onions, 2 tbsp fresh or dry mint,  2 garlic cloves, ½ cup fresh parsley, ¼ cup fresh dillhen blend on high speed for 5 minutes. Remove and transfer into a large bowl. Add ¾ cup olive oil, 2 cups arborio rice and the 6 tbsp Parmesan or Kefalotyri cheese. Season with 2 tsp saltand 2 tsp pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
• Pour in the 1 can chopped tomatoesand the 1 ½ tbsp tomato paste. Give it a good stir.
• Fill the tomatoes and peppers about three-quarters full, leaving a little room at the top for the rice to expand as it cooks.
• Season the tops of the stuffed tomatoes and peppers with a little extra salt and pepper. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the baking pan to help keep the vegetables moist as they bake.
• Pop the gemista in the oven and cook for 1 hour or until rice is tender.

Keyword Gemista recipe, greek stuffed peppers, greek stuffed tomatoes, Greek Stuffed Vegetabels, rice filling, Vegetarian recipe

KALI SAS OREXI!! 🙂