Tomatoes With Tuna
Fresh tomatoes stuffed with a savory tuna mixture featuring herbs, anchovies, and garlic, baked to perfection. A flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for light lunches or entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut tops off the tomatoes and scoop out the pulp.
- Strain the pulp and mix it with salt, pepper, tuna, chopped anchovies, chopped parsley, chopped basil, soaked and squeezed bread, chopped garlic, and softened butter.
- Mix the ingredients well to form a stuffing.
- Stuff the tomatoes with the mixture.
- Place the stuffed tomatoes in a well-oiled baking dish.
- Bake in a moderate oven (375°F) for 20 minutes, adding more oil if needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter stuffing, consider using canned salmon instead of tuna. You can also add a bit of grated cheese for extra flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, chop some jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce. This recipe is flexible, allowing you to incorporate ingredients from Mediterranean recipes that suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed tomatoes warm, garnished with additional parsley or a drizzle of olive oil. They pair beautifully with a fresh green salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a light seafood dish like Grilled Fish Italiano or a refreshing Simple Greek Shrimp.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the tomatoes soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomatoes With Tuna contains roughly 418 calories, with 10g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (42% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2142mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the stuffed tomatoes in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a few hours ahead and stuff the tomatoes just before baking. This allows the flavors to meld while making the cooking process quicker when you're ready to serve.
What can I substitute for anchovies?
If you're not a fan of anchovies, you can omit them or substitute with capers for a similar salty flavor. Alternatively, use a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the umami taste without anchovies.
Can I use different types of tomatoes?
Absolutely! While large tomatoes work best for stuffing, you can use medium-sized tomatoes or even heirloom varieties. Just ensure they have a sturdy skin to hold the stuffing without breaking during baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).