Since moving away from Ohio I took over the majority of the cooking in the house, and I have loved it. A friend humored me as I sent her picture after picture of my glorious and not-so-glorious creations, then she pushed me to start this blog. That is why today's first post is for her.
It's no secret in my family that veggies and I are not the best of friends so over the past few years I've been getting creative. Garlic tends to be go to weapon of choice but sometimes I want a nice hearty veggie meal that isn't going to leave me smelling fabulous. I was thrilled to try the recipe for stuffed tomatoes as soon as I found it. After making this dish 3 or 4 times now, I have my own version that is quick and easy.
Stuffed Tomatoes
* 1/2 to 1 lb ground meat (depending on family size)- I have used ground turkey and ground beef, both work great. I plan to try chicken soon.
* 1 egg
* 2 to 6 tomatoes- With just the two of us I make 3 or 4 tomatoes with 1/2 lb meat
*Pinch (1/8 tsp or less) Onion powder
*Pinch Salt & Pepper
*Pinch Garlic powder
*1/8 tsp Parsley
*Splash of milk
*Olive Oil
Steps
*Preheat oven to 400 F
*Line baking dish with nonstick foil. (I use a loaf dish for stability)
*Drizzle olive oil in the bottom of the baking dish.
*THINLY slice a tiny bit of the tomato bottom off so it sits flat in the dish.
*Cut tops off of your tomatoes. Save the "hats" for later.
*Scoop out tomato guts with a spoon.
*Salt inside the now tomato cups, then turn them upside down on cutting board to drain any excess water.
Now while your oven is still preheating like my shitty old apartment oven is.....
*Mix your meat, spices, egg, and milk in a bowl. I mix it by hand because I'm hardcore.
*Pour a little olive oil inside the tomato cups.
*STUFF THOSE TOMATOES! Stuff them like you mean it!
*Top with the jaunty tomato hat, dash of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
*Introduce them to the oven and bake for about 45 minutes.
I say "about" 45 minutes because my old gas oven would have baked this in 40 minutes.
Tips and Tricks: If you find that the meat seems dry (with poultry it can) add torn up pieces of bread, about half a slice, with the milk and you should be good.
My hubby and I enjoy eating this with crusty bread and edamame. Rice is also an amazing side.
This was my first attempt at the stuffed tomatoes. Om nom nom. I hope you all love this dish as much as I do, leave me comments when you try it!
Audio Book of choice while cooking this: Unsinkable by Debbie Reynolds (It was hilarious!)
-C
