Mom's Stuffed Tomatoes

Ingredients

• 6 plum tomatoes
• 1 large yellow onion (finely diced)
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut (frozen and unsweetened (available in indian grocery stores))
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons jaggery (grated)
• 2 teaspoons Kashmiri red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/4 cup cilantro (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/8 teaspoon asafetida (hing (optional) )
• 1/4 cup cilantro (finely chopped for garnish (optional) )

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Step 1: Prep the tomatoes ---

2. 2

   Cut the tomatoes in half and partially scoop out the inside and reserve. Note: Sometimes the tops of the tomatoes are not flat. Place the top side down to see if they are flat, if not shave off the uneven top so the tomato can be placed flat. Similarly shave off some from pointy side so that it can be placed upright while cooking.

3. 3

   --- Step 2: Stuffing ---

4. 4

   In a medium bowl add onion, coconut, salt, jaggery, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala and cilantro and mix well.

5. 5

   Fill the hallowed tomatoes with the stuffing. You can use a spoon or fill them with your hands like my mom does. Press down on the filling gently so you can stuff more inside each tomato.

6. 6

   --- Step 3: Cook the stuffed tomatoes ---

7. 7

   Heat the oil in a frying pan. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. Add asafetida and lower the heat.

8. 8

   Carefully place the stuffed tomatoes in the pan facing the stuffed side up. Cook covered on medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Note: Depending on the size of the tomatoes and the heat level you use, it may take up to 10 to 12 minutes to cook the tomatoes. Cook them just until you can easily cut through each one with a fork. Garnish with remaining cilantro and enjoy with homemade parathas.