Imagine a dish that captures the essence of sun-drenched French countryside, where ripe tomatoes burst with flavor and herbs dance on your palate. Tomates à la Provençale is not just a side dish; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a Mediterranean masterpiece. With golden, crispy breadcrumbs and aromatic herbs, these baked tomatoes will revolutionize your dining experience and bring the warmth of Provence directly to your table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (thyme, basil, parsley)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even cooking.
- Wash the ripe tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them dry with clean kitchen towels.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each tomato in half horizontally, exposing the inner flesh and seeds.
- Gently scoop out the seeds and some of the inner pulp using a spoon, creating a slight hollow in each tomato half. This helps prevent excess moisture during baking.
- Place the tomato halves cut-side up in a baking dish that allows them to sit snugly without much movement.
- In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Drizzle half of the olive oil over the tomato halves, ensuring each is lightly coated.
- Generously sprinkle the herbed breadcrumb mixture over each tomato half, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the breadcrumb-topped tomatoes to help them brown and crisp during baking.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and the tomatoes are soft but still holding their shape.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the tomatoes to settle and cool slightly.
- Serve warm as a side dish, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. These tomatoes pair wonderfully with grilled meats, fish, or as part of a Mediterranean-style meal.
Tips
- Choose tomatoes at the peak of ripeness - firm but with a slight give when gently pressed. Heirloom or vine-ripened varieties work best.
- For extra flavor, toast your breadcrumbs in a pan with a little olive oil before mixing with herbs to enhance their nutty profile.
- Use a mix of fresh herbs like thyme, basil, and parsley for an authentic Provençal taste. Fresh herbs make a significant difference compared to dried.
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish. Give each tomato half enough space to ensure even browning and crisp breadcrumbs.
- If you want a more intense herb flavor, add a small minced garlic clove to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the perfect contrast between crispy breadcrumbs and soft, warm tomatoes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
