Tomates Farcies, or stuffed tomatoes, is a quintessential warm-weather dish that's perfect for summer dining. This French-inspired recipe features tender roasted tomatoes filled with a savory blend of sausage, shallot, garlic, and aromatic herbs.
Remove the tomatoes from the vine and cut off the tops. Set the tops aside on a paper towel.
Gently scoop out the pulp and transfer it to a mixing bowl.
Sprinkle the inside of the tomatoes with salt and place them cut-side down on a paper towel for at least 10 minutes to drain excess moisture.
Make Vegetable Filling:
Pour the tomato pulp into a strainer to remove as much liquid as possible.
Transfer the drained pulp to a cutting board and finely chop it.
Return the chopped pulp to the mixing bowl and rinse the cutting board.
Finely chop the parsley leaves and add them to the mixing bowl along with the oregano. Stir to combine.
Melt the butter in a frying pan over medium-low to medium heat.
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced shallot, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the tomato pulp mixture to the pan. Season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 6-8 minutes.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Finish Filling:
Once the mixture has cooled, transfer it back to the mixing bowl.
Add the ground sausage, finely chopped salami, egg, sour cream, and breadcrumbs.
Mix by hand until everything is well combined.
Stuff & Bake:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Stuff the tomatoes with the filling and place them in an oiled 9x13-inch baking dish.
Replace the tops on the tomatoes and drizzle with the remaining olive oil.
Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the internal temperature of the filling reaches 160°F (71°C).
Allow the tomatoes to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with rice or a salad.
Notes
Selecting Tomatoes: Choose firm, ripe tomatoes that are large enough to hold the filling. Overripe or soft tomatoes may collapse during baking.
Draining Tomatoes: Allowing the tomatoes to drain on a paper towel helps to remove excess moisture and prevents the filling from becoming too watery.
Making Ahead: You can prepare the filling up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and stuff the tomatoes just before baking.
Storage: Leftover stuffed tomatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Gluten-Free Version Notes:
Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs. You can find these at most grocery stores or make your own by toasting and processing gluten-free bread.
Sausage & Salami: Ensure the ground Italian sausage and salami you use is labeled gluten-free. Some sausages contain gluten as a filler or seasoning. Check the label or ask your butcher for a gluten-free option.
Alternative Binders: If you prefer not to use gluten-free breadcrumbs, you can use alternatives such as ground almonds, almond flour, or gluten-free oat flour as a binder.
Nutritional Information is an estimate only and will vary according to specific ingredients and amounts used.