SMOKED HERB STUFFED TOMATOES

These Smoked Herb Stuffed Tomatoes make a delightful appetizer and are bursting with the flavor of fresh herbs. I smoked them to add extra flavor but they taste great baked in the oven as well!

INGREDIENTS:

4 medium, ripe but firm tomatoes
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
12 black olives, pitted and roughly chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup panko bread crumbs
2 tbsp chopped oregano
3 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tbsp chopped mint
1 tbsp chopped cilantro
1 ½ tbsp chopped capers
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Tools
Baking dish
Cutting board 
Knife
Smoker 
Colander 
Medium pan 

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat smoker or oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Trim about 3/8" from the top of each tomato and discard. Use a spoon or melon baller to carefully remove the seeds and most of the flesh from the tomato, leaving a clean shell. Lightly salt the inside of the tomatoes and place upside down in a colander to drain off some moisture.
3. Heat 1/2 tbsp of the olive oil in a medium pan over low heat and sauté the onion, garlic, and olives for about 5-6 minutes, until the onion is softened. Remove from heat and stir in the panko, herbs, and capers. Season with black pepper and add a pinch of salt, if desired.
4. Dry the insides of the tomatoes with paper towels then fill with the herb stuffing, pressing down gently as you go. Create a nice dome of stuffing on the top.
5. Place the tomatoes in the prepared baking dish and drizzle with the remaining olive oil.
6. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened.
7. Great when served hot or warm. Enjoy!