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Cucumber Boats Provençale
6 medium cucumbers
6-8 medium tomatoes
6 tablespoons butter
12 green onions, sliced thinly
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chopped fresh basil leaves*
1/4 cup Italian parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Select firm, garden-fresh cucumbers no longer than 6 inches. Peel and slice in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and some of meat with pointed spook to make deep hollow or “boat.” Arrange cucumber boats on serving platter, cover with foil, and refrigerate until needed.
Make stuffing: Peel and seed tomatoes, chope them coarsely, and drain at least 20 minutes in colander. heat butter in heavy skillet; add green onions and garlic and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes; add tomatoes, basil, parsley, salt and pepper; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until excess moisture has cooked off and mixture is rather thick. Spoon into cucumber boats. Serve warm with salad plates and forks; if using baby cucumbers, serve as finger food.
Note The Provençale sauce is also excellent on pasta (spaghetti, vermicelli, etc.).
Yield: 12 servings.
*Fresh basil leaves- either the large-leafed American variety or the small-leafed Italian variety – are essential to the success of this recipe; if unavailable, stuff cucumber boats with Caponata (card 27) or select another hors d’oeuvre recipe from this Collection.