Market Umbrella is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3), based in New Orleans, whose mission is to cultivate the power of farmers markets to drive economic and community health in the region. Market Umbrella has operated the Crescent City Farmers Markets (CCFM) since 1995.
Recipe
Mama’s Tomato Casserole
Tomatoes are abundant at market, full of antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals. It only makes sense to introduce them to suppertime classics, like this creative NOLA recipe for a beef and tomato casserole. Almost all the ingredients are available at market--bell peppers have been lining the table at producers like Faust Farms and the Monicas, while Amorphous Gardens has had big cloves of elephant garlic ready to sell for quite a few weeks! Ms. Mary over at T&R Dairy packs her ground beef by the pound. This recipe is a perfect starter dish to try out if you haven’t taken the leap into Creole tomatoes yet. Scroll to the bottom of the article for the casserole recipe, but if you’d rather try your hand at something else, there is a sausage and tomato pasta recipe as well as one for garlic and tomato soup.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 Creole tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sweet basil
- 1 cup fine breadcrumbs
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
In a large heavy pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions, green onions, bell pepper, celery and garlic. Cook, stirring, until they are soft, about 5 minutes. Add ground beef and cook, stirring often, until brown. Add tomatoes, salt, cayenne, oregano and basil. Cook, uncovered, over medium-low fire, stirring occasionally, one hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle top with the bread crumbs, then drizzle with butter. Sprinkle cheese on top. Bake 15 minutes or until cheese melts.
About Us
The Crescent City Farmers Market operates weekly year-round throughout New Orleans. The CCFM hosts 70+ local small farmers, fishers, and food producers, and more than 150,000 shoppers annually.