Baked Tomatoes

Baked tomatoes are a simple and delicious dish, excellent both as a side or an appetizer. Here is the recipe.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe yet firm tomatoes
• Breadcrumbs
• 2 garlic cloves
• Fresh basil (optional)
• Dried oregano
• 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C (conventional) or 180 °C (fan-assisted).
2. Wash the tomatoes and cut them in half horizontally.
3. Use a teaspoon to partly remove the seeds and inner liquid without damaging the pulp.
4. Peel and finely chop the garlic cloves.
5. In a bowl, prepare the mix with breadcrumbs, chopped garlic, hand-torn fresh basil leaves (if you are adding it), oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and mix until you get a moist and crumbly mixture.
7. Place the tomato halves on a baking tray lined with parchment paper with the cut side facing up.
8. Sprinkle a generous amount of the breadcrumb mixture over each tomato, pressing lightly to make it stick.
9. If you want, dust with some grated Parmesan cheese for a more golden and flavorful crust.
10. Drizzle the tomatoes with the remaining 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
11. Bake the gratinated tomatoes for about 15-20 minutes or until the surface appears golden and crispy.
12. Serve them hot or at room temperature as a side or appetizer.

If you want to give an Italian twist to an international side dish, you could add some diced mozzarella on top of the breadcrumbs, for a melty touch that is much appreciated in Italian cuisine.

Curiosity

In Mediterranean cuisine, baked tomatoes are appreciated not only for their fresh and aromatic flavor but also for their versatility. In many local variations, ingredients such as anchovies, capers, or even stale bread crumbs are used instead of breadcrumbs.