Stuffed Tomatoes with Grits and Ricotta

Ingredients and Weight:

• 8 large tomatoes
• 2 cups of corn grits
• 1 cup of ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp. of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 45 minutes
• Total: 1 hour 15 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Slice the tops off the tomatoes and set aside. Scoop out the insides of the tomatoes, leaving a shell.
3. In a medium pot, cook the corn grits according to package instructions, adding a bit of salt and olive oil.
4. In a bowl, mix the cooked grits with the ricotta, chopped basil, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Fill the tomato shells with the grits mixture.
6. Place the tomato tops back on and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the tops are slightly browned and the filling is hot.
7. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top.

Nutritional Information: (Please note that the nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used)

• Calories: Approximately 300 per serving (8 servings)
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 12g

Dish Characteristics:

• A unique combination of flavors with the sweet tomatoes, creamy ricotta, and hearty corn grits.
• The dish is hearty yet light, making it perfect for any meal.
• The fresh basil and parmesan cheese add a touch of Italian flavor that Americans often enjoy.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was amazing! The combination of flavors was so unique and delicious."
2. "I loved the heartiness of the corn grits mixed with the creamy ricotta. This dish was a hit at my dinner party."
3. "Such a simple yet elegant dish. It was perfect for a summer dinner paired with a glass of wine."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use ripe tomatoes for best results.
• If you can find fresh corn grits, they will have a better flavor than the packaged ones.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs if desired.