STUFFED TOMATOES WITH CHORIZO AND CORNBREAD

Stuffed Tomatoes with Chorizo and Cornbread image

Vine-ripened tomatoes filled with sausage and corn bread taste out of this world. They're terrific as a first course or partnered with grilled meat or shrimp. -Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 cup yellow cornmeal
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 large eggs
3/4 cup buttermilk
4 teaspoons canola oil
TOMATOES:
6 large tomatoes
1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
5 ounces uncooked chorizo or bulk Italian sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium sweet orange or red pepper, finely chopped
1/3 cup minced fresh cilantro
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
3 large eggs, lightly beaten

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, salt, baking powder and baking soda. In another bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk., Place oil in an 8-in. ovenproof skillet; heat skillet in a 450° oven for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, stir egg mixture into dry ingredients just until moistened., Carefully swirl the oil in the skillet to coat the sides and bottom of pan; add batter. Bake at 450° for 12-16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely., Place cornbread into a food processor; cover and process until coarse crumbs form. Set aside., Cut a 1/4-in. slice off the top of each tomato; with a spoon or melon baller, hollow out each tomato, leaving a 1/2-in. shell. Discard pulp. Sprinkle salt into each tomato; place upside down on paper towel for 10 minutes to drain., Crumble chorizo into a large skillet; add onion and pepper. Cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes or until meat is fully cooked; drain. Cool slightly., In a large bowl, combine the cornbread crumbs, chorizo mixture, cilantro and cumin; stir in eggs. Place tomatoes in an greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Spoon cornbread mixture into each tomato, mounding in the center., Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 395 calories, Fat 22g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 215mg cholesterol, Sodium 1396mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 20g protein.