Meet Fred.
Fred was my weekly CSA heirloom tomato that was as big as my face. It just felt appropriate to give a tomato that large a name. I know a Fred with a big head (who I’m positive does not read this blog), hence Fred the tomato.
Fred was a simple lunch.
Nothing fancy, kinda like his name, but lots of tastiness going on.
Sautéed kale, sweet Italian sausage, caramelized shallots and a bit of poor Fred’s scooped out guts that made their way back inside. Basil + goat cheese too because tomato Fred’s crazy like that.
I think Fred the tomato has way more going for him than real life Fred.
And if you ever doubted my sanity, you now have full on proof as I’ve just referred to a tomato by a proper noun 9 times in 9 sentences.
I blame this workout. The blood circulation in my head is still not right after all those burpees.
- 1 large heirloom tomato
- 1 shallot, sliced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup chopped kale leaves
- 1 sweet Italian sausage link, chopped
- pinch red pepper flakes
- salt & pepper
- goat cheese, for garnish
- basil, for garnish
- Cut the top with stem off the tomato and carefully scoop out most of the insides creating a large well to be stuffed. Reserve the tomato “guts” in a small bowl and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and shallot. Saute for 3 minutes until golden.
- Add chopped sausage and cook for 3-5 minutes.
- Add kale, red pepper flakes and salt & pepper to taste.
- Saute until kale is wilted.
- Transfer kale and sausage mixture to a bowl.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of tomato guts and stir to combine.
- Spoon kale and sausage mixture into the tomato and top with goat cheese and sliced basil.
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
The tomato, um Fred looks amazing! I’d eat him right up!! Ohhh, you got me excited to see what is in my CSA box tomorrow!!
Fred is a mater of many possibilities!
lol I think you may wanna lay off the margaritas at lunch
juuuust kidding.
Mmmm! And I just got a crapton of tomatoes from this week’s CSA. This looks like a great way to use em up
I think I love fred.
Id hate to eat fred.
but I would.
happily.
if youd cook
I’ve been thinking about stuffing tomatoes all summer – need to get on this!! Gorgeous lunch, Gina!
I’d give my right arm for a big heirloom tomato right now!
Looks like Fred had a short but vibrant life. I have 3 massive heirloom tomatoes sitting on my counter, now I’m going to have to give them all names before I devour them, thank you for planting ideas like this in my head.
Love it! And don’t worry, I talk to inanimate objects all the time. I think they appreciate it… And if it means I don’t lose my sanity at a person, then it’s all for the best. Fred the tomato and his kale + goat cheese stuffing are exactly what I need to get me on the healthy track again.
Looks delicious, sooo making this. I get so excited about recipes where all its ingredients available at the farmers market!
I think my favorite part of all of this is that you named the tomato after someone you actually know…classic!
Fred, you saucy minx!! You look fine all stuffed to the gills! (is that creepy, that I’m talking like that about a tomato?)
not any weirder than the fact that I wrote a whole post about a tomato named Fred!
Holy cow, Fred is stinking gorgeous! I have had some amazing heirlooms this year. They have so much flavor too. I’m going to be one sad girl when tomato season is gone!
I hope I get tomatoes in my Boston Organics box this week so I can make this, yum!
Fred is a very nice looking tomato. I am all about the heirlooms right now, even if I don’t name them
My Csa has had huge veggies too. I am in love!
Fred sure does look yummy! Funny, I had a kale-sausage recipe on my blog today.
I went looking for it but couldn’t find any sausage + kale…but those peach pancakes from the other day look epic!
This looks utterly incredible!!! Just a perfect combination of everything. I wish it was in front of me right now.
what what, that pic is beautiful, well they all are! kale and sausage, emphasis on the sausage helps too
This is a great idea, and it would be pretty funny if Fred read your blog.
Fred looks absolutely delicious!
MMMMMMMM!
love
Fred looks absolutely delicious!
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