Beths Tomates Farcies Recipes

CLASSIC TOMATES FARCIES (BAKED GROUND MEAT-STUFFED TOMATOES)

Steps:

• Step 1 - Prepare the tomatoes. Cut the hats (tops) from the tomatoes and carve the insides (flesh) out with a spoon. Keep the flesh with the juice in a separate bowl, and keep the hats too. Sprinkle the insides of the tomatoes with a pinch of salt, and place the tomatoes upside down on a linen or paper towel to absorb the juice. Set aside for at least one hour.
• Step 2 - In a bowl, pour the milk over the bread cubes; set aside to soak.
• Step 3 - Chop up the tomato flesh coarsely. Heat 1 tablespoon EVOO in a frying pan over medium heat. Saute the garlic, onion, and tomato flesh. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is moisture-free and reduced to a paste-like consistency.
• Pre-heat your oven to 350F (180C) with a rack in the middle.
• Step 4 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped basil, Herbs de Provence, grated parmesan, milk-soaked bread, onion and tomato flesh mixture and egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix until just combined.
• Step 5- Spoon the stuffing into the hollowed tomatoes, making sure they are well packed. Place the hats back on top and place the tomatoes standing upright into a baking dish. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Allow the dish to rest 30 extra minutes in the oven, with the oven turned off, before serving.

TOMATES FARCIES (STUFFED TOMATOES)

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees. With a paring knife, core tomatoes. Use a teaspoon to scoop out the center of each tomato. Season tomatoes with salt and pepper and place in a baking dish.
• Mix together bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, basil, thyme, cheese and red pepper, if using. Put 2 to 3 tablespoons of bread-crumb mixture in the hollow of each tomato.
• Bake 30 minutes, until bread-crumb mixture is nicely browned and tomatoes are soft. Let cool slightly before serving.