Stuffed Raw Heirloom Tomatoes

Tomato pasta stuffing

• 1 pound thin soy pasta or whole wheat pasta
• 1 small yellow onion
• 1 zuccini
• 4 ounces roasted marinated tofu or feta cheese
• 3-4 cloves garlic
• 1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3-4 pinches salt and pepper to taste

Tomatoes and Garnish

• 8 Heirloom tomatoes
• 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup olive oil

1. Cook pasta as directed - Do NOT over cook (al dente) drain and set aside.
2. Rinse tomatoes, remove the core cut into 8 even wedges, cutting 3/4 way down the tomato. Carefully remove and save the insides, and set aside.
3. In a saute pan add diced onions and garlic. Saute until lightly caramelized.
4. Add zucchini and stir fry for 2-3 minutes. Then add tomatoes hearts and seeds continue to saute for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
5. Add pasta to sauce and toss. Allow to cool.
6. In a small sautee pan, heat ollive oil and allow oil to get hot but do not allow it to smoke. Carefully with tongs or a slotted metal spoon drop in a fresh basil leaf. Be CAREFUL for spattering. Remove leaves quickly - they should be crispy but not burned. Do one leaf at a time. Carefully remove and lay on paper towel to drain any excess oil. 3-4 leaves per tomato, or as desired for flavor.
7. Take the pasta and add either roasted tofu (vegan) or feta cheese and toss then fill the tomatoes with the pasta.
8. Use any remaining pasta as a bed underneath the stuffed tomatoes. Season to taste and add the basil garnish.