Imagine transporting yourself to the lavender-scented fields of Southern France with just one bite of a simple yet extraordinary dish. Tomatoes Provençal is not just a recipe; it's a culinary postcard that captures the essence of French countryside cooking. With golden, crispy breadcrumbs and the vibrant flavors of fresh herbs, this dish transforms ordinary tomatoes into a mouthwatering delicacy that will make your taste buds dance with Mediterranean delight. Get ready to unlock the secret to an effortless, elegant side dish that looks like it came straight from a French bistro kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even cooking.
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Cut the tomatoes in half horizontally, using a sharp knife. Use a small spoon to gently scoop out the seeds and excess moisture, creating a slight cavity in each tomato half.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create an even herb and breadcrumb mixture.
- Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil into the breadcrumb mixture and stir to help the ingredients bind together slightly.
- Place the tomato halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Ensure they are not overcrowded and have some space between them.
- Generously sprinkle the herbed breadcrumb mixture over each tomato half, pressing gently to help the mixture adhere.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the topped tomatoes to help them brown and crisp during roasting.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the tomatoes to settle and cool slightly.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve warm as a side dish or appetizer.
Tips
- Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best results. Roma or beefsteak varieties work wonderfully.
- Pat tomatoes completely dry before adding breadcrumb mixture to ensure a crispy topping.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs if possible - they create a more luxurious texture than store-bought.
- Don't skip removing seeds; this prevents your dish from becoming watery.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the crispiest breadcrumb topping.
- This dish pairs perfectly with grilled meats, fish, or as a standalone vegetarian appetizer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
