How to Make Tomatoes Stuffed with Rice and Spinach

150 g rice
6 large, firm tomatoes
1 bag/pack/bundle of spinach
1 onion, finely chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
50 g butter
50 g cheese (can be parmesan, mozzarella or whatever you prefer)
300 ml vegetable stock
Salt and pepper, to taste
Procedure
Prepare the tomatoes:
Wash the tomatoes and cut off the tops (like a lid).
Using a spoon, carefully remove the pulp and seeds from the inside, leaving the walls firm.

Reserve the pulp for later use and place the empty tomatoes upside down on absorbent paper to drain.
Cooking the rice:
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Add the rice and stir for a couple of minutes so that it is impregnated with the oil.
Gradually add the vegetable broth, cooking the rice over medium heat and stirring occasionally until al dente (about 12-15 minutes).
Prepare the spinach:
While the rice is cooking, wash the spinach and cut it into pieces if necessary.
In a separate pan, melt the butter and sauté the spinach for 2-3 minutes, until reduced in volume.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the filling:
Once the rice is ready, add the reserved tomato pulp (previously chopped) and the sautéed spinach. Mix all the ingredients well.
Add half of the grated cheese and adjust the salt and pepper point.
Stuff the tomatoes:
Place the tomatoes in a lightly greased baking dish.
Stuff each tomato with the rice and spinach mixture, pressing lightly to make it compact.

Sprinkle the rest of the grated cheese on top of each tomato.
Baking:
Preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C).
Bake the stuffed tomatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and the cheese has melted and lightly browned.
Serve:
Remove the tomatoes from the oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving. Pair them with a fresh salad or as a side dish to another main course.
Tips for a perfect result
Choose firm tomatoes: It is important to use large and firm tomatoes so that they maintain their shape during baking.
Vary the cheese: If you prefer a creamier touch, use mozzarella; If you’re looking for a stronger flavor, opt for Parmesan or Gruyere.
Add aromatic herbs: You can incorporate fresh herbs such as basil, oregano or parsley into the filling to enhance the flavor.
Perfect cooked rice: If you prefer to save time, you can use already cooked rice and sauté it with spinach and tomato pulp.
Customize the filling: For an extra kick, add nuts, mushrooms, or even tofu bits for a more complete vegan version.