CHEESY STUFFED TOMATOES

Cheesy Stuffed Tomatoes image

Provided by Andy Baraghani

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/4 cup raw pistachios
4 large heirloom tomatoes (about 2 1/2 lb.)
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
1 garlic clove, finely grated
2 Tbsp. chopped golden raisins
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 Tbsp. chopped thyme, plus 6 sprigs
8 oz. fresh mozzarella

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast pistachios on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until golden brown, 5-8 minutes. Let cool, then finely chop. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
Slice about 1/2" off the top of each tomato; reserve tops. Using a spoon, scoop out the center of each tomato (save for making sauce). Season insides of tomatoes with salt and pepper. Transfer to a baking dish large enough to hold tomatoes (they can be snug).
Mix pistachios, garlic, raisins, 1/4 cup oil, and 1 Tbsp. thyme in a medium bowl; season with salt and pepper. Place about 1 Tbsp. filling in each tomato. Tear mozzarella into bite-size pieces and snuggle into tomatoes. Top with remaining filling (you may need to gently press filling down with your fingers).
Replace tomato tops; drizzle with oil. Scatter thyme sprigs over and bake, uncovered, until tomatoes release some liquid and begin to get a little wrinkly on top, 35-45 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.