Italian Stuffed Tomatoes

This delicious take on the tomato makes the most of summer’s bounty with ingredients fresh from your garden. Serve as an appetiser for eight or a light lunch for four.

4 large, firm tomatoes
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
1 pound hot or mild Italian sausage
1/3 cup cooked rice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
2 leaves fresh basil, julienne
Olive oil cooking spray

For the sauce:

Pulp from tomatoes
1 small can tomato sauce
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
Sugar
3 tablespoons sour cream

Cut off top quarter of each tomato; set tops aside. Carefully scoop out and reserve tomato pulp. Season empty tomato cavities with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Mix sausage with rice, parsley, and basil. Fill tomato cavities with sausage mixture and replace tomato tops. Spray tomatoes lightly with oil and place on a baking sheet. Place baking sheet in centre of cooking grate and grill for 20 to 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the sauce: Combine reserved tomato pulp with tomato sauce. Add salt, pepper, and sugar to taste; bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Add sour cream and adjust seasoning to taste. Place some sauce on individual plates; top each plate with a stuffed tomato. Serve warm with grilled zucchini and crusty baguettes, if desired.

Makes 4 servings.