Greek Stuffed Tomatoes
12 firm, ripe tomatoes
salt and granulated sugar
3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, or 3 scallions chopped fine
2 cloves garlic, chopped
½ cup chopped fresh parsley
½ pound lean lamb or veal, ground
¼ cup dry white wine
¼ cup water
5 to 6 tablespoons raw long grain white rice
Tomato juice, if necessary
Freshly ground pepper
2 sprigs fresh mint or basil
Pinch of grated nutmeg
1. Wash the tomatoes, then turn each stem side down, and with a sharp knife carefully slice a cap off the bottom, being careful not to detach the cap entirely. With a small spoon, scooped the pulp into a bowl, being careful to leave the shell intact. Place the tomato shells in a baking dish large enough to support them side by side. Sprinkle the inside of the shells with salt and sugar.
2. Meanwhile prepare the stuffing. Heat the oil in a heavy skillet and add the onions. Cook over moderate heat until soft and transparent. Then add the garlic and parsley and blend. Add the meat, mixing with a fork. Then add the wine and water, cover, and simmer for a few minutes. Add the rice and tomato pulp and stir. Tomato juice may be added if necessary since the mixture should provide enough liquid for the rice to absorb.
3. Cover the skillet and simmer about seven minutes, then add salt, pepper, mint or basil, and nutmeg. Remove from the heat and fill the tomatoes up about two thirds of the way with the stuffing and liquid. Cover with tomato caps, brush with oil. Bake in a moderate 350° oven until the rice is tender, approximately 50 minutes to one hour, basting inside the tomatoes with liquid released by them. Serve warm.