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.
This is a great idea, and it would be pretty funny if Fred read your blog. :)
what what, that pic is beautiful, well they all are! kale and sausage, emphasis on the sausage helps too :)
This looks utterly incredible!!! Just a perfect combination of everything. I wish it was in front of me right now.
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! :)
My Csa has had huge veggies too. I am in love!
Fred is a very nice looking tomato. I am all about the heirlooms right now, even if I don’t name them ;)
I hope I get tomatoes in my Boston Organics box this week so I can make this, yum!
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!
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! ;)
I think my favorite part of all of this is that you named the tomato after someone you actually know…classic!