Best Grilled Tomato Sauce Recipes

GRILLED MAHI MAHI TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE SLAW, TOMATO AND AVOCADO SALSA AND PINEAPPLE HOT SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat grill.
• Brush fillets with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
• Remove from grill and drizzle with some of the Citrus Vinaigrette. Let rest 5 minutes and then flake with a fork.
• Fill each fried tortilla with some of the mahi, top with the Red Cabbage Slaw, Tomato and Avocado Salsa, and drizzle with Charred Pineapple-habanero Hot Sauce.
• Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend for 1 minute.
• Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Gently combine all ingredients in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Heat a grill to high or preheat the broiler. Place the whole pineapple (do not peel it) on the grill and grill until the entire surface is completely black and charred. Remove from grill and let cool slightly. Peel the pineapple, remove the core and coarsely chop the flesh.
• Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat; add the onion and cook until soft. Add the pineapple, pineapple puree, habanero and vinegar and cook until the mixture is completely soft, about 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth. Season with salt, pepper and honey, to taste. Strain the mixture into a bowl.

GRILLED SHRIMP WITH FRESH TOMATO SAUCE AND ANGEL HAIR PASTA

Steps:

• Combine 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Gently squeeze ingredients in the bag to combine. Add shrimp. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and move shrimp around in the bag to coat in the marinade. Place in a tray or plate so shrimp are in a single layer. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook angel hair pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat. Place a heat-proof skillet on one side of the grill to heat with the grill. Thread shrimp onto metal skewers.
• Place shrimp skewers onto the hot grate and grill until the shrimp turn white and opaque, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove from the grill.
• Meanwhile, pour 2 teaspoons olive oil into the hot skillet and cook onion, stirring frequently, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, garlic, and red pepper flakes; cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in wine and allow to reduce, about 4 minutes. Stir in cream. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve.

TANDOORI SPICED CHICKEN BREAST WITH GRILLED TOMATO JAM AND HERBED YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat grill to medium-high. Combine all spices and the oil in a medium bowl to make a paste. Rub a thin layer of the spice paste onto 1 side of each chicken breast. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until slightly charred and just cooked through. Remove from the grill, let rest 5 minutes, and cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices. Serve openface on pitas: the chicken slices, a few dollops of Tomato Jam, and a drizzle of Herbed Yogurt.
• Heat grill to high. Brush tomatoes and serrano with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill tomatoes and serrano on all sides until charred. Remove from the grill and coarsely chop.
• Heat oil in a medium saucepan on the grates of the grill or on the side burners. Add the onion and cook until soft. Add the tomatoes, serrano, balsamic vinegar, and saffron and cook until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl and let cool to room temperature before serving.
• Place all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Refrigerate if not using immediately.

GRILLED EGGPLANT STACKS WITH GOAT CHEESE, TOMATO AND BASIL SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Cut the eggplant into ½" thick rounds. Lightly season them with salt on both sides and let sit on a paper towel for 30 minutes to let water to come out of the eggplant.
• Brush or drizzle olive oil on top of each slice and grill them for 2 -3 minutes each side until cooked.
• Blend the basil leaves with 4 tablespoons olive oil, 2 garlic cloves, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon salt in a food processor or blender until smooth.
• Cut the tomatoes crosswise to 1/4" thick rounds.
• On an oiled baking pan or using parchment paper, arrange 4 eggplant rounds side by side. Spread 1/2 tablespoon of the basil-garlic mixture on top of each one, then generously sprinkle the cheese crumbs. Top each with tomato rings. Add another layer of eggplant, basil spread, cheese and tomato rounds and top with the rest of the crumbled feta. Make as many layers as you can. Usually, 1 large eggplant will make 4, 3 layer stacks.
• Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes until the tomatoes are wilted and the cheese is soft and melted.
• Enjoy!

GRILLED CHICKEN WITH MUSTARD BARBECUE SAUCE AND TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• Prepare a grill for 2-zone heat (for a charcoal grill, bank two-thirds of coals over one side of grill and scatter remaining coals over the other side; for a gas grill, set one burner to medium-high heat and the remaining burners to medium-low heat). Clean and lightly oil grate.
• Mix vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, and 1/2 cup mustard in a medium bowl; set aside.
• Season chicken on all sides with 2 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. salt. Grill chicken skin side down over direct heat, turning halfway through or whenever there is a flare, until lightly charred, 5-8 minutes. Move chicken to cooler part of grill, cover with lid, and continue to grill, turning several times and keeping covered, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 140°F, 15-20 minutes. The smaller pieces will go more quickly ,and you can transfer them to a rimmed baking sheet until all pieces are ready.
• Uncover grill and return any pieces from baking sheet back to grill. Using a brush, generously baste chicken with reserved sauce. Continue to grill, turning every 1-2 minutes and basting the other side, until the internal temperature of thickest part of breast registers 155°F and sauce is shiny and lacquered, about 6 minutes. Transfer chicken to a cutting board as pieces are done (again, the smaller pieces will go more quickly). Let rest 10 minutes before separating drumsticks from thighs and slicing chicken breast in half on a bias.
• While chicken rests, gently toss onions, 2 Tbsp. oil, and 1 tsp. salt in a medium bowl, being careful not to break up onion rounds into rings. Grill over medium-low heat, turning once, until charred on both sides and tender, 10-15 minutes.
• Whisk 2 Tbsp. bean pickling liquid and remaining 2 Tbsp. mustard in a large bowl. Drain beans and add to bowl. Add tomatoes and grilled onions. Toss to combine; season with salt.
• Arrange chicken on a large platter and serve with salad alongside.
• Do Ahead: Sauce can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.

GRILLED SALT AND PEPPER SHRIMP WITH TOMATO HORSERADISH SAUCE WITH LIME JUICE

Steps:

• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers. Sprinkle the shrimp generously with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp on the grill for 2 minutes, flip, and then cook until pink, an additional minute. Serve with lemon wedges and the Tomato Horseradish Sauce with Lime Juice.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Place the cherry tomatoes in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Toss the tomatoes in the olive oil, oregano and garlic. Season heavily with salt and pepper. Roast until the tomatoes are fully cooked, about 40 minutes.
• Once the tomatoes are cooked, place them in a blender and process until smooth. Stir in the horseradish and lime juice. Check for seasoning and serve.

GRILLED PORTOBELLO PIZZA WITH GOAT CHEESE AND GREEN SAUCE AND THOUSAND-LAYER EGGPLANT NAPOLEON WITH NO-FAT TOMATO VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Puree all the ingredients to form a sauce.
• Rub mushrooms with oil. Season with salt and pepper. Place the mushrooms on the grill, rib side down, and cook for 5 minutes. Turn mushrooms and place green sauce over mushrooms. Add sliced goat cheese. Touch with a little more sauce. Close the top to the grill and smoke for 5 minutes more.
• Lightly brush eggplant, zucchini and onions with olive oil and then season with salt and pepper. Grill for 3 minutes on each side. Grill tomato for 3 minutes on each side. While vegetables are hot, using a ceramic mold or bread pan lined with plastic wrap, make a layer of eggplant and then spread with 1-ounce of Jack cheese. Make a layer of red pepper and spread with 1-ounce Jack cheese. Make a layer of zucchini and spread with jack cheese. Make a layer of onion with jack cheese. Make a layer of green peppers and then a layer of goat cheese. Make another layer of eggplant and then another layer of goat cheese. Finally, make a layer of tomato and then a layer of basil. Lightly press, weight and allow to sit for 20 minutes. Turn upside down and release from the mold. Place left over goat cheese on top and garnish with basil.
• Place tomatoes, meat side down, over medium hot grill for 8 minutes. Carefully remove and place in blender. Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.

GRILLED SALMON WITH TOMATO-GINGER SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to medium high. Grate the tomatoes on the large holes of a box grater into a medium bowl; discard the skins. Stir in 1/3 cup cilantro, the vinegar and ginger; season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
• Spread the cauliflower florets on one half of a 24-inch-long piece of foil; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon garam masala and dot with the butter; season with salt and pepper. Fold the foil over the cauliflower and crimp the edges to seal and form a packet. Season the salmon with salt, pepper and the remaining 1 teaspoon garam masala.
• Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil. Grill the foil packet on one side of the grill until the packet is puffed and the cauliflower is lightly charred and tender, about 6 minutes per side. Grill the salmon on the other side of the grill until opaque but still pink in the center, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a large plate. Grill the naan until lightly toasted, about 1 minute per side; cut into wedges.
• Carefully open the foil packet and toss the cauliflower with the remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro. Top the salmon with the tomato-ginger sauce and serve with the cauliflower and naan.

CRISP ATLANTIC SALMON ON LENTILS WITH MOROCCAN SPICED TOMATO SAUCE WITH HARISSA, SERVED WITH TZATZIKI AND GRILLED NAN BREAD

Steps:

• Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Pre-heat grill.
• Heat the olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat, add the shallots and garlic, and season. Saute until the vegetables are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the harissa and stir. Cook for 3-5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and 4 tablespoons of the spice blend, or to taste.
• Toast the above in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for five minutes (or on the stove over medium heat). Grind the mixture in a spice or coffee grinder.
• Coat the salmon.
• Finish the Sauce:
• Working in batches, puree the mixture in a food processor, until the liquid is smooth. Set aside until ready to use. Makes enough for at least twelve fillets.
• Heat saute pan, add stock and lentils and simmer until liquid almost evaporates. Stir in butter, season and serve.
• Bring two saute pans to high heat, add the olive oil, and when hot, add salmon fillets, skin-side down (do not crowd pan). Shake pans to be sure the fillets are not sticking. Add the butter little bits at a time, shaking the pan to incorporate the butter into the oil. Place pan in oven for 4-5 minutes to roast.
• Make the tzatziki: 32 ounces yogurt 2 English cucumbers, peeled, seeded and diced 4 cloves of garlic, minced 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste
• Place yogurt in cheese cloth, tie the end closed with kitchen string and hang it on a rack, above a bowl, in the refrigerator. Allow to drain for two hours or overnight. Discard the liquid in the bowl, and blend the yogurt with the remaining ingredients.
• Combine oil, garlic and salt. Using a pastry brush, coat the bread lightly with the oil and place on grill. Cook to mark bread, turn to mark other side and serve.
• To serve:
• Mound lentils in center of plate. Place salmon fillet on top, skin side up. Surround with sauce. Present with side dishes of tzatziki and nan bread.

GRILLED STUFFED JALAPENO CHILES WITH GRILLED RED PEPPER-TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat grill to medium.
• Whisk together the cream cheese and goat cheese in a medium bowl until smooth. Fold in the Cheddar, corn and green onions and season with salt and pepper. Fill each jalapeno half with about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and sprinkle the top with some of the ancho powder.
• Place on the grill, filling-side up and cook until slightly charred and tender, about 7 to 8 minutes. Spoon the red pepper sauce onto a platter and top with the jalapenos.
• Combine the pepper, tomatoes, vinegar, honey and cilantro in a food processor and process until smooth. With the motor running, slowly add oil and season with salt and pepper.

GRILLED HALIBUT WITH CORN-COCONUT CURRY SAUCE AND GRILLED CHERRY TOMATO CHUTNEY

Steps:

• For the sauce: Heat the oil in a medium saute pan over high heat. Add the onions, apples and Mesa Curry Powder and cook until the onions and apples soften, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add the stock, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
• Add the coconut milk and three-quarters of the corn kernels. Simmer, uncovered, until slightly thickened, another 25 to 30 minutes. Strain the finished sauce into a large bowl, add the remaining corn and taste for seasoning.
• Preheat a grill for direct and indirect grilling.
• Brush the halibut on both sides with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat until slightly charred on the first side, about 4 minutes. Flip and char the other side, another 4 minutes. If the fish is not yet cooked through, rotate the grate (instead of moving the fish) so that the fish is over indirect heat. Cover and cook another few minutes until just cooked through.
• Transfer the cooked fish to a large serving platter. Lade over some of the corn-coconut curry sauce. Scatter the herbs over the sauce, and then top with some Grilled Cherry Tomato Chutney.
• Combine all the spices in a small bowl.
• Prepare a charcoal grill for direct grilling, high heat.
• Toss the tomatoes with oil and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a grill basket and grill until charred and slightly soft, tossing occasionally, about 5 minutes.
• Combine the vinegar, sugar, coriander and cumin seeds in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until thickened to a glaze, about 10 minutes. Let cool slightly, then pour over the tomatoes. Toss, mashing the tomatoes slightly. Add the herbs and the zest, toss again, taste and season.

BUTTERMILK ONION RINGS WITH GRILLED TOMATO AIOLI DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine buttermilk, flour, cayenne and salt in a large bowl until smooth. Soak the onion rings in the batter for 2 hours in the refrigerator. Using side burner. Heat oil in a large saucepan to 375 degrees F. In batches, remove onion rings from batter and dredge in the seasoned flour mixture. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and season immediately with salt.
• For the aioli: place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Season with cayenne and salt.

GRILLED EGGPLANT, GRAPE TOMATO, AND FETA SALAD WITH AMAZING BASIL, PARSLEY, AND CAPER SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat the grill to medium-high. (You can only hold your hand there for a few seconds at that heat.) Wash the eggplants if needed and cut off both ends. Cut the eggplants lengthwise, brush both sides with olive oil, and season the cut side with salt and pepper Lay eggplants on the grill cut side down, and cook until you see nice grill marks (about 5-7 minutes.) Turn eggplants and cook about 5 minutes more on the other side, or until eggplant is softened and nicely browned. Remove eggplant to a cutting board to cool. Make the amazing sauce while the eggplants cool. If needed, wash and spin dry the basil and parsley leaves. Slice the garlic cloves, then use a food processor fitted with a steel blade to chop the basil, parsley, and garlic. Add the Dijon, capers, and lemon juice and process until ingredients are well blended; then add the olive oil and process about 30 seconds more. Cut grape tomatoes in half. When eggplant is cool enough to handle, cut it into slices about 1 inch thick. Gently combine the eggplant and tomato halves in a bowl and stir in enough sauce to coat the ingredients (about 1/4 cup). Stir in the crumbled Feta and serve salad warm or at room temperature. Even though tomatoes are best when they haven't been refrigerated, this was not bad after it had been the fridge overnight. It didn't last much longer than that though.

GRILLED POLENTA WITH SPICY TOMATO SAUCE AND FRIED EGGS

Steps:

• Paint tops of polenta squares lightly with olive oil. Heat a stovetop grill or cast-iron griddle. Lay polenta top-side down and cook until nicely browned and crisp, about 10 minutes. Flip and brown the other side. Keep warm.
• For the sauce, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy saucepan. Add onion and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1 minute more. Add tomatoes and bay leaf and simmer briskly for 5 to 8 minutes, until thickened slightly. Add capers, olives and anchovies and cook for 2 minutes more. Season with red pepper flakes and a little more salt if necessary.
• On each plate, put 1 square of warm polenta and spoon sauce around it. For each diner, fry 1 or 2 eggs sunny-side up in olive oil, and place on top of sauce. Serve immediately.

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST WITH TOMATO-TARRAGON SAUCE

Steps:

• Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Whisk 2 tablespoons tarragon, 1 1/2 tablespoons oil and 1 teaspoon garlic in shallow dish to blend. Using rolling pin, lightly pound chicken between sheets of waxed paper to uniform 1/2-inch thickness. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to tarragon mixture and turn to coat. Let stand 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, blend tomato and remaining 1 tablespoon oil in processor until smooth. Add vinegar, remaining 1 tablespoon tarragon and remaining 1/4 teaspoon garlic and just mix in, using on/off turns. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
• Grill chicken until brown and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to plates. Spoon sauce around chicken. Garnish with tarragon sprigs, if desired, and serve.

GRILLED SKIRT STEAK WITH SWEET ROASTED TOMATO SAUCE AND ROASTED SHRIMP, BLACK BEAN AND ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• For the steak: Sprinkle the skirt steak with salt and pepper.
• In a blender, add the orange juice, oil, cilantro, parsley, cumin and garlic and puree until smooth. Transfer the marinade to a large re-sealable plastic bag and add the steak. Seal the bag and shake gently to coat the steak. Marinate the steak in the fridge for 1 hour. Bring the steak to room temp before grilling.
• For the tomato sauce: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. On a baking sheet, toss the tomatoes, garlic and serrano with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper and cumin. Roast in the oven for 10 minutes. Transfer to a blender and blend with the chicken stock.
• Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan over low heat and add the sauce from the blender. Add the agave and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
• For the salad: Spread the shrimp out on a baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast the shrimp in the oven until cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Set aside and let cool.
• Combine the beans, cucumber, onions, bell pepper, feta, parsley, cilantro, lime juice, poblano, serrano and garlic in a large bowl and toss to combine. Add the shrimp, orzo and the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Stir together, taste and season with salt and pepper.
• To finish: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and grill the steak 4 to 5 minutes on each side for medium/medium-rare. Let rest, and then slice the steak and serve on top of the salad topped with tomato sauce.
• Cook's Note: If making this dish for children, you can limit the heat by substituting diced carrots for serrano chile peppers in the tomato sauce and the salad.
• This recipe was created by a contestant during a cooking competition. The Food Network Kitchens have not tested it for home use, therefore, we cannot make any representation as to the results.

GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS WITH FIRE ROASTED TOMATO SAUCE ROASTED ZUCCHINI WITH OREGANO AND LEMON

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat 2 large baking sheets with cooking spray.
• Season chicken with salt and pepper and place on prepared baking sheet. Arrange tomatoes on second baking sheet. Arrange zucchini next to tomatoes, flesh side up. Season tomatoes and zucchini with salt and pepper. Season zucchini with lemon juice, lemon zest and oregano. Place everything in the oven and roast 30 minutes.
• In a blender, combine 6 roasted tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, hot sauce, and chili powder. Process until smooth. Serve 4 chicken breast halves with this meal, smothered in roasted tomato sauce. Serve half of the zucchini and reserve the extra chicken, tomatoes and zucchini for other meals.

GRILLED HALIBUT WITH LIMA BEAN AND ROASTED TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 450°F.
• Core tomatoes, then halve crosswise. Stud the cut side of each half with garlic slivers, then sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper (total). Arrange tomatoes, cut sides up, in a lightly oiled shallow baking pan, then drizzle evenly with 1 tablespoon oil. Roast until just soft and wilted, 15 to 20 minutes.
• While tomatoes roast, cook beans in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water , uncovered, until just tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Drain in a colander and cool slightly, about 10 minutes. When beans are cool enough to handle, gently slip off skins. Coarsely chop beans and roasted tomatoes, then toss with basil, remaining tablespoon oil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and lemon juice (to taste).
• Prepare grill for cooking over medium-hot charcoal (moderate heat for gas). If using a charcoal grill, open vents on bottom of grill, then light charcoal. When charcoal turns grayish white (about 15 minutes from lighting), hold your hand 5 inches above grill rack to determine charcoal heat. It is medium-hot when you can hold your hand there for 3 to 4 seconds. If using a gas grill, preheat burners on high, covered, 10 minutes, then reduce to moderate setting.
• Pat fish dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Grill on lightly oiled grill rack, covered only if using gas grill, turning over once, until just cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes total.
• Serve fish topped with bean and roasted tomato sauce.

GRILLED WHOLE FISH WITH ROASTED TOMATO-CHILE SAUCE

Steps:

• For sauce:
• Line heavy large skillet with foil. Place tomatoes and chiles in skillet; cook over medium-high heat until skins begin to blister and blacken in spots, turning occasionally, about 20 minutes for tomatoes and 10 minutes for chiles. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Peel tomatoes; transfer to processor. Add chiles, onion, and garlic. Blend until coarse puree forms. Transfer sauce to bowl. Stir in cilantro, parsley, and salt. (Can be prepared 4 hours ahead. Cover and chill.)
• For fish:
• Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat) or preheat broiler. Rinse fish inside and out with cold water; pat dry. Open fish flat, like a book. Rub fish inside and out with oil; sprinkle inside with oregano, salt, and pepper. If grilling, place fish, opened flat, in grill basket. If broiling, place fish, opened flat, on oiled rimmed baking sheet. Grill or broil fish just until opaque in center, about 6 minutes per side.
• Using spatula, transfer fish to platter. Sprinkle with lime juice; serve with tomato sauce and warm corn tortillas.

TOMATO AND GRILLED POLENTA STACKS WITH BASIL SAUCE

Steps:

• Make polenta:
• Whisk together water, cornmeal, and salt in a 1-quart heavy saucepan and bring to a boil over moderate heat, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until very thick, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Spread polenta into a 10- by 5-inch rectangle on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Chill, uncovered, until firm, about 1 hour.
• Prepare grill for cooking.
• Drain tomatoes while polenta is chilling:
• Cut 4 (1/4-inch-thick) crosswise slices from middle of each tomato. Sandwich slices between triple thicknesses of paper towel and press gently to absorb excess moisture.
• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Grill polenta:
• Cut out 8 (2 1/2-inch) rounds from polenta with cookie cutter. When fire is medium-hot (you can hold your hand 5 inches above rack for 3 to 4 seconds), grill polenta rounds in a grill basket until crusty, about 5 minutes on each side. Transfer to an ungreased baking sheet.
• Assemble and bake stacks:
• Season tomato slices with salt and pepper and sprinkle with cheese. Assemble 4 stacks by placing a tomato slice on top of each of 4 polenta rounds (use a spatula to transfer tomato slices), then top each with another polenta round and tomato slice.
• Bake in middle of oven until hot and cheese is melted, about 15 minutes.
• Make sauce while stacks bake:
• Purée basil, water, garlic, lemon juice, oil, and sugar in a blender, scraping down sides frequently, until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
• Serve stacks with basil sauce.