Author Notes: This is a simple side that packs a big flavor punch. It’s a great way to use up endless summer tomatoes and basil. —Erin
Makes: 24 tomatoes
Ingredients
Pesto:
-
2/3
cup pine nuts
-
2
garlic cloves
-
4
cups basil leaves, packed
-
1/2
cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano
-
1/2
teaspoon coarse sea salt
-
1/4
teaspoon fresh ground pepper
-
2/3
cup extra-virgin olive oil
Tomatoes:
-
24
cocktail tomatoes
-
1
cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, shredded
-
1/4
cup Panko breadcrumbs
-
1
tablespoon butter, melted
Directions
Pesto:
- Toast pine nuts in a dry heavy skillet over medium heat, about 4 minutes.
- Put garlic through a press and add to food processor. Add basil, Parmigiano-Reggiano, toasted pine nuts, salt, pepper, and basil leaves. Turn food processor on low until everything is finely ground
- Slowly drizzle in extra-virgin olive oil.
Tomatoes:
- Mix together panko breadcrumbs with butter to moisten then add 1 cup of Parmesan to breadcrumbs.
- With a sharp pairing knife, cut a circle around the top of each tomato being careful not to slice through the bottom of the tomato.
- Using your finger, carefully hollow out each tomato.
- Place 1 tsp. of pesto in each tomato then stuff Parmesan/breadcrumb mixture into tomatoes until they are overflowing.
- Place stuffed tomatoes in mini muffin tins.
- Bake at 350F for 10 minutes or until browned.