Mediterranean stuffed tomatoes

6 tomatoes

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ red onion, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into ¼-inch dice

1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into ¼-inch dice

1 eggplant, cut into ¼-inch dice

1 zucchini, cut into ¼-inch dice

pinch of sugar

2 tablespoons apple vinegar

salt and pepper

For the pesto:

5 sprigs basil

v cup olive oil

scant 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 clove garlic

Slice the tops off the tomatoes and use a teaspoon to scoop out the seeds and as much flesh as possible without piercing the “shells.” Sprinkle a little salt inside each tomato, turn upside down on a layer of paper towels, and let drain for 1 hour.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a pan. Add the onion and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, until softened.

Add the bell peppers and cook for 2 minutes, then add the eggplant and cook for another 5 minutes, and, finally, add the zucchini and cook for another 5 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper, and add the sugar. Increase the heat to high, sprinkle the vegetables with the vinegar, and cook for another 5 minutes, until all the moisture from the vegetables has evaporated. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.

Stuff the tomatoes with the vegetable mixture.

To make the pesto, put all the ingredients into a food processor or blender and process until thoroughly combined, scraping down the sides once or twice.

Put the tomatoes on a serving dish and spoon a tablespoon of the pesto over each. Keep in a cool place until ready to serve.

Preparation time:
30 min, plus 1 hour draining

Cooking time:
20 min

Serves 6