Tuna Stuffed Tomatoes

It is time to start sharing some tomato recipes with you since gardens are producing these beautiful things.  I plant heirloom tomatoes each year.  Once you have tried an heirloom tomato, you will never go back to those tasteless, hard skinned store bought tomatoes again.  I love to stuff them with tuna or chicken salad.  It makes a whole meal.  Today I’m making tomatoes stuffed with tuna salad. 

 4 medium sized firm tomatoes

1  6 oz. can white albacore tuna packed in water

1 tbs. lemon juice

2 tbs. mayo

2 anchovy fillets (optional but makes a huge difference)

3 tbs. sun-dried tomatoes (or save part of your tomato that you cut out)

2 tbs. chopped parsley or basil (your choice)

Pepper

Drain your tuna well. I like to spend the extra money and get the white albacore tuna.  I like canned tuna, but think the albacore is much better tasting.

Rinse and core the tomatoes. Clean out any seeds with a small spoon. Lightly salt inside of cavity and place upside down on paper towels or in a colander to drain for about 30 minutes.

Mash the anchovy fillets together in a bowl. Add your tuna, lemon juice, mayo, dried tomatoes, parsley and stir until blended. I have both parsley and basil in my garden and like the tuna salad with parsley but sometimes use basil because it goes so beautiful with a tomato.  You get to pick which one you prefer, but don't use both.  Keep it simple.  If the mixture appears dry, add a bit more mayo. Season with freshly ground pepper to taste.

Rinse the cavity of tomato and drain. Fill each tomato with your filling. You should have enough filling to fill all four tomatoes.

Variation - If you are having company, go to a little extra trouble for a beautiful presentation and even more flavor.  Bring ½ cup of good quality balsamic vinegar to a boil in a small saucepan and simmer until reduced and syrupy, about 5 minutes. Drizzle the syrup decoratively across the plate and place the tomatoes on top. Drizzle additional balsamic reduction across top of tomato.  

I also like a little crunch in mine so like to chop up a stalk of celery and put in the tuna sometimes.  You could also add some pimentos for color and taste.  

Have a great day, be happy and may God bless you and yours.