Tomatoes Stuffed with Parmesan Rice

8/28/2001

4 medium tomatoes

1 cup quick-cooking rice

1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Use tomatoes held at room temperature until fully ripe. Core tomatoes; slice off tops. Scoop out pulp leaving 1/4-inch-thick shells; set aside. Coarsely chop pulp; place in a medium bowl. Add rice, parmesan, parsley, butter, salt, and black pepper; stir to combine. Fill reserved tomato shells with rice mixture; place in an 8-inch square microwave dish. Spoon any remaining rice mixture in the center of the dish; cover with vented plastic wrap. Microwave on high power until rice is almost tender, about 5 minutes, turning dish once, or according to your microwave directions. Let stand, covered, until rice is tender, about 5 minutes.

Yield: 4 servings