Stuffed tomatoes with eggplant salad

Culinary Indulgence: Stuffed Tomatoes with Eggplant Salad

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 10-12

A recipe that blends the vibrant colors of summer with the rich flavors of roasted vegetables, stuffed tomatoes with eggplant salad are a true delicacy that can transform any meal into a feast. This recipe is not only tasty but also a healthy choice, packed with nutrients. Offering a perfect combination of textures and flavors, this dish can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Our magical ingredients

- 10-12 suitable tomatoes (choose firm but ripe tomatoes)
- 1-2 eggplants (for a rich and creamy eggplant salad)
- 1 egg (for mayonnaise)
- Oil (preferably sunflower oil or olive oil)
- 1 small onion (for added flavor)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (for a slightly spicy taste)
- 10 pitted black olives (for decoration and flavor)
- A little mayonnaise (for decoration)
- Lettuce (for presentation)

A brief history of the recipe

Eggplant salad is a traditional recipe loved by many cultures, often associated with summer meals. Eggplants, rich in antioxidants and low in calories, are roasted and turned into a delicious paste, which, when combined with mayonnaise, becomes a true delight. Filling tomatoes with this salad not only adds a touch of freshness but also a pleasing visual aspect, making it a popular choice at festive tables.

Step-by-step preparation

Step 1: Preparing the tomatoes

1. Wash the tomatoes well under cold running water.
2. Cut off the top of each tomato to create a lid. Keep the lid for decoration.
3. Use a teaspoon to scoop out the flesh of the tomatoes, being careful not to puncture them.
4. Place the tomatoes cut side down on a napkin or cutting board to drain off excess juice.

Step 2: Roasting the eggplant

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
2. Wash the eggplants and prick them all over with a fork to prevent bursting during baking.
3. Place the eggplants on a baking tray and roast for 30 minutes or until soft.
4. Let them cool, then peel and drain them in a colander.

Step 3: Preparing the eggplant salad

1. Finely chop the roasted eggplants. You can use a food processor for a smooth texture, but don’t overdo it; you want a slightly thicker consistency.
2. In a bowl, combine the chopped eggplants with mayonnaise (made from egg, oil, and mustard) and mix well.
3. Add salt to taste and finely chopped onion. Mix until all ingredients are well integrated.

Step 4: Stuffing the tomatoes

1. Using a spoon, fill each tomato with the eggplant salad, being careful not to overfill.
2. Place the cut lid on each stuffed tomato.

Step 5: Decorating and serving

1. Decorate each tomato with a few drops of mayonnaise on top.
2. Arrange the stuffed tomatoes on a serving platter over a bed of fresh lettuce.
3. Add black olives next to the tomatoes for an elegant and attractive look.

Useful tips

- Choose quality tomatoes: Make sure the tomatoes are firm and ripe, but not too soft, so they can hold the filling.
- Eggplants: If you want a less bitter eggplant salad, you can sprinkle a little salt on the eggplants after peeling and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to eliminate the bitter juice.
- Customize the recipe: You can add fresh dill or parsley to the eggplant salad for extra flavor. You can also use yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Serving: These stuffed tomatoes are excellent served with a slice of toasted bread or as part of a festive meal. Pair them with a glass of white wine or a refreshing cocktail for maximum effect.

Nutritional values

This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while eggplants contain fiber and essential nutrients. A serving of stuffed tomatoes with eggplant salad brings about 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other vegetables for the filling? Yes, you can experiment with other roasted vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers.
2. How can I preserve stuffed tomatoes? These tomatoes are best consumed fresh, but if you want to keep them, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
3. What other recipes can I try? If you like eggplant salad, try using it as a filling for mini-pizzas or as an appetizer on crackers.

I hope this recipe inspires you to experiment in the kitchen and bring smiles to your loved ones' faces. Stuffed tomatoes with eggplant salad are not only a delicious choice but also an explosion of colors and flavors, perfect for gathering the family around the table! Enjoy!