Devilled Tomatoes

Broiled tomatoes with egg sauce is a delightful dish that combines the smoky goodness of grilled tomatoes with a rich and creamy egg sauce. This recipe provides a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an excellent side dish or appetizer for any occasion. The juicy tomatoes and the luscious sauce complement each other beautifully. In this guide, we will explore how to create this delicious dish, step by step.

INGREDIENTS:

• Three or four nice, solid tomatoes
• 4 hard-boiled eggs
• 1 scant teaspoon of dry mustard
• 1 heaping saltspoon of salt
• Paprika or cayenne pepper (to taste)
• 5 tablespoons of melted butter
• 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 well-beaten egg
• 2 teaspoons of chopped parsley

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preparing the Tomatoes:

1. Start by cutting the nice, solid tomatoes in half. These will be the base for your broiled tomatoes.
2. Heat up your grill or broiler. You’ll want it to be hot for a nice sear on the tomatoes.

Broiling the Tomatoes:

1. Place the tomato halves on the grill or under the broiler, cut side down. Let them cook for a few minutes until they are nicely charred and slightly softened. The grilling or broiling process adds a smoky flavor to the tomatoes and enhances their sweetness.
2. Once the tomatoes have grill marks and are slightly tender, remove them from the heat and set them aside.

Preparing the Egg Sauce:

1. Take the yolks of the 4 hard-boiled eggs and crush them with a fork in a mixing bowl.
2. Add the scant teaspoon of dry mustard, heaping saltspoon of salt, and paprika or cayenne pepper to the crushed yolks. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Once the butter is melted, add 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice to it. Stir well.
4. Gradually pour the butter and vinegar or lemon juice mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring continuously. This will create a thick, creamy sauce.
5. In a separate bowl, beat 1 egg until well-whisked. Remove the saucepan from heat and slowly pour the beaten egg into the sauce while stirring vigorously. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens.

Assembling and Serving:

1. Chop the whites of the hard-boiled eggs and mix them with the chopped parsley. This will serve as a delightful garnish for your broiled tomatoes.
2. To serve, place the broiled tomato halves on a serving platter or individual plates.
3. Spoon the prepared egg sauce over the broiled tomatoes, covering them generously.
4. Finally, decorate the center of each broiled tomato with the chopped egg whites and parsley mixture for an appealing presentation.

TIPS FOR PERFECT BROILED TOMATOES:

• Tomato Selection: Choose ripe and solid tomatoes for the best results.
• Grilling or Broiling: Ensure your grill or broiler is hot before placing the tomatoes on it. This will help you achieve those beautiful grill marks and a smoky flavor.
• Sauce Consistency: Be patient when adding the beaten egg to the sauce. Stir continuously to avoid curdling and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Garnish Creativity: Feel free to get creative with the garnish. Fresh herbs like basil or chives can be excellent alternatives to parsley.
• Serve Warm: Broiled tomatoes with egg sauce are best enjoyed while warm. Serve them as a delightful side dish or appetizer.

In summary, broiled tomatoes with egg sauce is a classic and delicious dish that combines the wonderful flavors of grilled tomatoes with a creamy, tangy sauce. It’s a delightful addition to any meal, offering a balance of smokiness, creaminess, and a touch of spice. By following these steps and tips, you can create a stunning and flavorful dish that will impress your guests and elevate your dining experience. Enjoy!