Stuffed Tomatoes

I have a strong memory of my Dad making stuffed tomatoes during the summer time and finding it such a delicious & unexpected treat. Not only is it a super versatile side dish to make but also a great FODMAP side dish as one common small tomato is safe. You can really use whatever stuffing ingredients you have available to you so feel free to be creative!

I have always considered tomatoes a vegetable even though I know this is a hotly debated topic. What I didn’t know was the vegetable vs. fruit debate made it all the way to the supreme court in 1893 when a farmer wanted the tomato to be considered a fruit to avoid the higher vegetable tariffs. During this case it was determined the tomato should be classified as a vegetable based on the culinary usage and not the botanical/science category. According to science, fruit is defined as “the usually edible reproductive body of a seed plant.” Vegetables are described most commonly as the “roots, stems, leaves or other auxiliary parts of the plant.” If you’re having this age old argument with someone if a tomato is a fruit or vegetable, you can banter back asking if they’re speaking in science or culinary terms! I love this quote from journalist Miles Kington regarding the tomato:

“Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad”

Looking for other FODMAP side dish recipes to make? Check out a few of my favorites: roasted carrots & sauteed green beans & cherry tomatoes.