Eggplant-stuffed tomatoes "pomodori ripieni di melanzane"

 
         EGGPLANT-STUFFED TOMATOES "Pomodori Ripieni di Melanzane"
 
 Recipe By     :
 Serving Size  : 1    Preparation Time :0:00
 Categories    : Vegetables                       Tomatoes
                 Eggplant
 
   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
 --------  ------------  --------------------------------
    6      medium        firm ripe tomatoes
    1      tablespoon    salt -- plus extra
      1/4  cup           extra-virgin olive oil
    1                    garlic clove -- peeled
    1                    eggplant (3/4 pound) -- peel/cut in 1/2"
                         dice
    1                    scallion -- thinly sliced
    1      teaspoon      capers
   12                    basil leaves -- torn
                         freshly ground black pepper
    3      tablespoons   red wine vinegar
 
 NOTES:
 
 If you prefer serving this dish warm, you can simply stuff the tomatoes
 with the hot eggplant and bake them for 5 minutes at 400.  When the
 tomatoes are served at room temperature, they make a splendid antipasto;
 warm they are a great accompaniment to meat, poultry, or grilled fish.
 
 METHOD:
 
 Cut a lid from the top of each tomato; scoop out the flesh (reserve it for
 frittatas, sauces, or pizza), sprinkle the inside with the salt, and turn
 upside-down to purge excess water for 30 minutes.
 
 Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a wide pan; add the garlic and eggplant,
 and saute over medium heat until the eggplant is golden but not brown,
 about 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent the eggplant from sticking or
 burning; fold in the scallion, capers, basil, and pepper.
 
 Deglaze the pan with the vinegar, season with salt, and stir well. Cook the
 eggplant for I more minute, or until the vinegar has evaporated; remove
 from the heat and cool to room temperature.
 
 Stuff the tomatoes with the eggplant saute and arrange on a serving
 platter; serve at room temperature. SERVES 6
 
 Chardonnay Soave Classico California Sauvignon Blanc
 
 
                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
 
 Per serving (excluding unknown items): 503 Calories; 54g Fat (94% calories
 from fat); 1g Protein; 6g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 6426mg Sodium
 Food Exchanges: 1 Vegetable; 11 Fat
 
 NOTES : THE MAGAZINE OF LA CUCINA ITALIANA. April 1999