Grilled Tilapia with Stuffed Tomatoes

Grilled tilapia is one of my favorite cooked fish and I LOVE that it doesn't have a "fishy" smell when it cooks like some other types of fish.  When it comes to summer months, the one thing we love the most is firing up the grill and going at it with just about anything we can throw down on the hot grates.  I love how awesome and quick it is to cook just about everything on it, including pizza.  Pairing up certain side dishes to go with fish is a fun adventure in itself too.  I love stuffed tomatoes the best and it really pairs well with grilled tilapia.

Stuff tomatoes are a great replacement for stuffed green bell peppers.  If you don't care for the taste of green bells or you are allergic to them, like me, this recipe will surely be a taste addition to your dinner plates.

Be sure when you grill the tilapia you add you seasonings while it's cooking.  Add a few slices of lemon while it's cooking to give it that added flavor from the lemons.

For the stuffed tomatoes here's what you'll need:

2 tbs. Worcestershire Sauce

1 tbs. Garlic Powder

1 tbs. Rosemary Leaves

1-8ox. can of Tomato Sauce

1/2 to one full jar (3 oz.) Real Bacon Bits

Also you will need, 2 cups white rice, 1/2 cup brown rice or more brown to white rice if you like and 4-5 whole tomatoes.

Picking ripe tomatoes that are semi-soft are the best.  They will cook a lot better than a tomato that is harder on the inside.

You want to core out your tomato to prepare it for the stuffing.  I like to use a melon baller because it wastes less of the tomato that way.

Cook you rice according to the package directions and then combine all ingredients into a large mixing bowl.  

Stuff a generous amount into each tomato.  I used a muffin tin to keep the tomato upright, but a small backing pan would work just as well if the tomatoes were snug against each other.

Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until the tops turn brown. 

While your tomatoes are cooking, prepare your tilapia with a butter glaze of rosemary and lemon pepper seasoning.  Grill on aluminum foil/parchment until the internal temperature is at 145-148 degrees.  

Don't forget to add your lemon slices while it's cooking!

Top the cooked tomato with a few slices of sharp cheddar cheese right out of the oven and allow the heat from the stuffed tomatoes to melt on top.  

Once the cheese has melted, serve with the tilapia.

ENJOY!

Eco-Tip:  Having your own livestock is a great way to live a more self-sufficient lifestyle.  If you aren't sure where to start, start with chickens.  Chickens provide a lot of eggs for a family and can really help you appreciate a better tasting egg, as well.  For more tips visit The Earth and Me Go Green.