Basil-stuffed baked tomatoes

By mrslopes

Stuffed tomatoes are great side dishes for any meal. You can make many variations on this recipe: try stirring in different herbs, or adding chopped celery and/or bell peppers when you add the onion.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe medium tomatoes
• 1 Tbs. olive oil
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry, unflavored bread crumbs
• 3 Tbs. chopped fresh basil, or 2 tsp. dried basil
• 1/8 tsp. salt, or to taste
• 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat the oven to 350*F
2. Cut the tomatoes in half. Scoop out the center tomato pulp and chop; set aside.
3. In a medium skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook, stirring, until onion is softened, about 2 minutes. Add the chopped tomato pulp; cook, stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the bread crumbs, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Fill each tomato half with 1/4 of the bread crumb mixture.
5. Bake 15 minutes or until heated through.

VARIATION: Use flavored bread crumbs instead of plain. Add 2 Tbs. grated parmesan cheese if desired.