Source: centrolottainfarto.com; photo ilclubdellericette.it

PRESENTATION

An appetizer consisting of tomatoes stuffed with a creamy filling made from fresh white cheese, crispbread, egg, Gruyère cheese, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.

INGREDIENTS:

Serves 2

• 2–3 large tomatoes
• 75 g (about 2.6 oz) fresh white cheese
• 1 whole egg + 1 egg yolk
• 20 g (about 1½ tbsp) grated Gruyère
• 1 crispbread (rusks)
• Garlic, to taste
• Parsley, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

METOD

1. Hollow out the tomatoes.
2. Dry them in the oven.
3. In a bowl, combine the white cheese, eggs, crumbled crispbread, salt, pepper, and finely chopped garlic and parsley.
4. Fill the tomatoes with the mixture.
5. Season the top with grated Gruyère.
6. Bake in the oven at medium temperature for about 20 minutes.

This recipe can also be prepared using zucchini, eggplant, large mushroom caps, or artichoke bottoms instead of tomatoes.

ALLERGENS:

Garlic: very rare cases of garlic reactivity have been reported.

Crispbread: contains gluten from cereals listed in EU Regulation 1169/2011.

White cheese: contains milk allergens.

Gruyère: contains milk allergens.

Pepper: possible cross-reactivity in cases of spice intolerance.

Tomatoes: possible cross-reaction in individuals sensitive to grasses.

Parsley: possible cross-reaction in individuals allergic to spices, mugwort, or other Asteraceae.

Eggs: listed among allergens under EU Regulation 1169/2011.

NOTE

Prepare and handle under strict hygienic conditions.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients

Garlic: has immune-stimulating properties; supports liver function and the elimination of waste metabolites. It also has cholesterol-lowering, lipid-lowering, antiplatelet, hypotensive, and blood glucose–lowering effects that support heart health.

Crispbread: when whole-grain, it is a source of fiber that supports the gut microbiota, improves intestinal transit, and provides B vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system; also suitable for individuals with kidney disease.

White cheese: supports liver function through its content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Pepper: contains piperine, a powerful antioxidant; improves insulin sensitivity, reduces cholesterol levels, and activates metabolism. Recommended for individuals with cardiovascular problems.

Tomatoes: rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals and supports the immune system; also provide minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that protect the cardiovascular system; suitable for individuals with kidney disease and beneficial for liver function.

Parsley: rich in carotenoids that support the immune system, as well as minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that protect cardiovascular health; also suitable for individuals with kidney disease and beneficial for liver function.

Eggs: a source of vitamin E that protects the immune system from harmful fatty acids.

SAFETY / INTENDED USE

Also suitable in cases of:

• Anorexia / weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Mucositis (inflammation and lesions of the oral cavity)
• Xerostomia (dry mouth)

Not suitable for individuals with:

• Dysphagia (chewing and swallowing difficulties)