Recipe 15/50 : Iraq : Yalanchi

Iraqi food is strongly influenced by its neighboring countries, Turkey and Iran. Most of Iraqis are Muslims. The fast of Ramadan is celebrated the entire month. During these days muslims rise before dawn to eat a meal. The meal traditionally starts eating a date. The festival Eid , at the end of Ramadan where friends and family gather to pray and share a large meal. Eating pork is forbidden to Muslims, but other meats as beef,lamb are served. other common dishes includes kebabs, Yalanchi and dessert of dates.
Yalanchi is spicy rice stuffing for tomato, eggplants or other vegetable. Its mainly Tomato.

Ingredients
6 medium firm, ripe tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup raisins, soaked in warm water 10 minutes, drained
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups cooked rice
Salt to taste 
Black pepper to taste
Method
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cut a slice from the top of each tomato, about half inch down.Chop the tops finely and set aside.
3. Scoop out tomatoes with a spoon and turn upside down on paper towels to drain. Throw the pulp and seeds away.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
5. Add chopped tomato tops, raisins, pine nuts, and cinnamon and mix well.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add cooked rice. 
7. Season with salt and pepper and mix gently until well blended.
8. Fill the tomatoes with mixture and set in a greased baking pan. Spray oil on tomatoes and bake in oven until tender but still firm, about 25 minutes.
Serve at room temperature!!