BAKED TOMATOES w/ARUGULA PESTO

By BobD

Ingredients

• 6 medium or large ripe, firm tomatoes
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 6 tablespoons arugula pesto (1/2 recipe)

Details

Servings 6
Adapted from nytimes.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Oil a baking dish that will snugly accommodate the tomatoes. Core the tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Place a spoonful of pesto into each core.

2. Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the surface of the pesto is just beginning to color. Remove from the heat. Serve warm.

Advance preparation: These can be baked an hour or two before you wish to serve them. Warm them in a low oven before serving.

ARUGULA PESTO

In addition to serving this vibrant pesto with pasta, I use it with grains risottos made with rice, barley, or wheat and as a topping for tomatoes. Its great on its own, spooned onto a thick slice of country bread. Dont use a sharp olive oil with this, or it will overwhelm the arugula.

2 garlic cloves, cut in half, green shoots removed
2 heaped tablespoons shelled walnuts
4 ounces arugula, stemmed, washed and dried (2 cups leaves, tightly packed)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 to 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, as needed
1/3 to 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, to taste

1. Turn on a food processor fitted with the steel blade, and drop in the garlic cloves. When they are chopped and adhering to the sides, stop the machine, scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the walnuts. Turn on the machine, and process until they are finely ground. Scrape down the bowl again, and add the arugula and the salt. Pulse until the arugula is finely chopped, then turn on the machine and run while you slowly drizzle in the olive oil. When the mixture is smooth, stop the machine, scrape down the sides and process for another 30 seconds or so. Scrape out into the bowl of a mortar and pestle. Grind the mixture with the pestle for a smoother texture. Work in the cheese and combine well.

Advance preparation: Cover the top with a film of olive oil, and this will keep in the refrigerator for a couple of days.