Mediterranean Stuffed Tomatoes

These stuffed tomatoes make an easy, yet elegant main dish or side dish. Served at room temperature it makes a nice dish for these hot summer days. Very easily put together with a very attractive presentation.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2  quarts water
• 1 1⁄2 cups  raw orzo pasta

• PESTO

• 1 1⁄2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 2  garlic cloves, minced (or pressed)
• 1⁄4 cup pistachio nut
• 1⁄2 cup  grated parmesan cheese
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 1  teaspoon olive oil
• 6  large  ripe tomatoes
• 1  dash  salt & fresh ground pepper
• 1⁄3 cup  tiny cubes feta cheese
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped kalamata olive
•  chopped fresh basil (to garnish)

Directions

1. Brint the water to a boil in a large pot. Add the orzo, stir, lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 7 minutes, stirring as needed.
2. While the orzo cooks, combine the basil leaves, garlic, pistachios and parmesan in a food processor. Whirl until well chopped.
3. Add the olive oil through the hopper in a thin stream to make a smooth paste, stopping to scrape down the sides a couple of times as needed.
4. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Drain the orzo. Toss it lightly with the teaspoon of olive oil and let cool to room temperature.
6. With a sharp serrated knife, cut a slice about 2 inched across in the top of each tomato and remove the core. Scoop out the pulp with a small spoon or melon baller, leaving a 1/2 inch thick shell.
7. Lightly sprinkle the insides of the tomatoes with salt and pepper.
8. Mix the cooled orzo with the Pesto and feta cheese cubes. Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary.
9. Stuff each tomato with about a cup of the filling.
10. Sprinkle the tops with the olives and garnish with the chopped basil.