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A Popular Dish From Cyprus
Gemista is a popular dish from Cyprus that is enjoyed by many people around the world. The dish is made by stuffing vegetables such as bell peppers and tomatoes with a mixture of rice, herbs, and spices. It is a delicious and healthy meal that is easy to prepare and is perfect for any occasion.
herbs, and spices. It is a delicious and healthy meal that is easy to prepare and is perfect for any occasion.
A Dish Enjoyed By People Of All Ages
The recipe for Gemista has been passed down through generations of Cypriot families, and it is a dish that is steeped in tradition. It is a dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages and is often served at family gatherings and celebrations.
Gemista Stuffed Vegetables
To make Gemista, you will need a variety of fresh ingredients, including bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, parsley, mint, and dill. You will also need long-grain rice, olive oil, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. To prepare the dish, the vegetables are first hollowed out and then filled with the rice mixture. The rice is cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce until it is tender and fluffy, and the vegetables are baked in the oven until they are soft and tender.
A Dish Full Of Flavour and Texture
Gemista is a dish that is full of flavour and texture. The combination of the sweet bell peppers and the tangy tomatoes, along with the aromatic herbs and spices, creates a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Gemista is a Very Versatile Dish
One of the great things about Gemista is that it is a very versatile dish. You can make it with a variety of different vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and even potatoes. You can also adjust the seasonings and spices to suit your taste.
A Very Healthy Dish
Gemista is a dish that is not only delicious but also very healthy. It is a great way to get a variety of different vegetables into your diet, as well as the health benefits of herbs and spices. It is also a good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
Served With a Side Salad
In Cyprus, Gemista is often served with a side salad and a slice of crusty bread. It is a meal that is meant to be enjoyed slowly and savoured, with good company and conversation.
Loved By Many People Around The World
Overall, Gemista is a dish that is loved by many people around the world. It is a dish that is steeped in tradition and is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Cyprus. Whether you are looking for a healthy and delicious meal for your family or a dish to impress your guests, Gemista is a dish that is sure to please.
How to Make Gemista
Ingredients:
3 medium tomatoes
3 medium aubergines
3 courgettes
3 green bell peppers
2 medium onions
For The Stuffing
300 gm of minced mead (any)
1 cup of rice (any)
1 medium carrot finely chopped
1/2 bunch of parsley, finely chopped
1/2 bunch of mint, finely chopped
The inside of the onions
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp of tomato paste
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup of olive oil
1/2 cup of water
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut off the top of each tomato, peppers, aubergines, courgettes and remove the seeds and flesh inside.
- Finely chop the onion and sauté it in 1/4 cup of olive oil until it’s translucent.
- Add the minced mead and fry till is golden brown
- Add the rice to the frying pan, and stir until the rice is coated with the oil.
- Add the parsley, salt, and pepper to the pan, stirring until well combined.
- Fill each tomato and pepper with the mixture, leaving some space at the top.
- Replace the tops of the tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, courgettes and place them in a baking dish.
- Mix the remaining olive oil and water in a bowl and pour over the stuffed vegetables.
- Bake the vegetables in the oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the rice is fully cooked.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Gemista!
Recommended Wines for Gemista
For gemista, a classic Mediterranean dish of stuffed vegetables (usually tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini) filled with a savoury mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat, pairing it with a Cypriot wine that complements the dish’s fresh, herbaceous flavours is ideal. Here are some great Cypriot wine options:
Spourtiko
Why we love it: A wine from a forgotten and extremely rare Cypriot grape variety which usually surrounds and helps the pollination of Maratheftiko. A wine with floral aromas which reminiscent of green apple and grapefruit with a lemon finish. A rich and refreshing taste with excellent balance acidity and fresh after taste, making it the perfect fresh summer wine.
Dafermou Rosé
Dafermou Rose wine comes from the rare and precious indigenous Maratheftiko variety in combination with the French noble Syrah variety. It is characterized by a bright rose colour. The blend gives intense aromas of red fruits, strawberry and some hints of wild rose and vanilla. In the mouth it is round with a crisp fresh charming finish, well-balanced structure with pleasant acidity.
Rosé from Lefkada or Mataro
Why It Works: A rosé with vibrant acidity and fruity undertones is versatile enough to match with vegetable and herb-forward dishes like gemista. Rosé from Cypriot Lefkada or Mataro grapes brings light berry flavours with a refreshing edge.
Recommended Rosés: Ktima Gerolemo and
Tsiakkas Winery produce beautiful rosés that capture the local terroir, making them lovely, summery choices with gemista.
OTHER WINES
When choosing a wine, consider the specific ingredients and whether the gemista is vegetarian or includes meat. The goal is to find a wine that complements the dish’s acidity, sweetness, and herbal notes without overwhelming the flavours. Enjoy your meal Read More!
