This kale and sausage stuffed heirloom tomato is a great way to enjoy the delicious end of summer tomatoes.
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 and goat cheese too (just like this goat cheese tomato sausage tart) 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 the workout I just did. The blood circulation in my head is still not right after all those burpees.
Kale Sausage Stuffed Heirloom Tomato
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
Looks delicious, sooo making this. I get so excited about recipes where all its ingredients available at the farmers market!
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 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.
I’d give my right arm for a big heirloom tomato right now!
I’ve been thinking about stuffing tomatoes all summer – need to get on this!! Gorgeous lunch, Gina!
I think I love fred.
Id hate to eat fred.
but I would.
happily.
if youd cook :-)
Mmmm! And I just got a crapton of tomatoes from this week’s CSA. This looks like a great way to use em up :)
lol I think you may wanna lay off the margaritas at lunch ;) juuuust kidding.
Fred is a mater of many possibilities! :-)
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!!