Broiled Tomatoes

Broiled Tomatoes Recipe - Vegetarian dish with butter and cheese

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 5-7 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Broiled tomatoes are a simple and delicious side dish that can be enjoyed year-round. This recipe is a great way to use up ripe tomatoes from your garden or local farmer's market. The combination of juicy tomatoes, buttery breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings creates a flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.

History

Broiled tomatoes have been a popular dish in American cuisine for decades. This simple recipe has its roots in traditional Southern cooking, where fresh produce is often the star of the meal. By broiling the tomatoes, the natural sugars caramelize and intensify, creating a sweet and savory flavor profile that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

3 large tomatoes or 6 small tomatoes
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tsp butter or margarine
2 tbsp fine dry breadcrumbs

How to prepare

Wash the tomatoes and cut off the stem ends.
Cut large tomatoes into 1-inch slices and small tomatoes in half crosswise.
Place the cut side up on a broiler pan.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Dot each slice with butter.
Sprinkle with bread crumbs.
Broil until the tomatoes are soft and the bread crumbs are light brown, for about 5 to 7 minutes.
Serves 6.

Variations

Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for a cheesy twist.
Drizzle balsamic glaze over the broiled tomatoes for a tangy flavor.
Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best results.

- Make sure to season the tomatoes generously with salt and pepper before broiling.

- Keep an eye on the broiler to prevent burning the breadcrumbs.

- Serve the broiled tomatoes hot for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Broiled tomatoes can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. They also make a great topping for bruschetta or a salad.

Cooking Techniques

Broiling is a quick and easy cooking technique that uses high heat to cook food quickly. It's a great way to add a crispy texture to dishes like tomatoes.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil instead of margarine for a healthier option.

- Substitute panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the broiled tomatoes ahead of time and reheat them in the oven before serving. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the broiled tomatoes on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. You can also sprinkle extra breadcrumbs on top for added texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Broiled tomatoes pair well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, pasta, and seafood. They also make a great addition to a charcuterie board or antipasto platter.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover broiled tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of broiled tomatoes contains approximately 80 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of broiled tomatoes contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of broiled tomatoes contains approximately 4 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of broiled tomatoes contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Broiled tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the breadcrumbs and dairy from the butter.

Summary

Broiled tomatoes are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense side dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. They are a healthy addition to any meal.

Summary

Broiled tomatoes are a simple and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy this delicious dish in no time. Try this recipe today and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was handed down to me by my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who had learned it from her own grandmother. The recipe for Broiled Tomatoes was a family secret, passed down through generations, and I felt honored to have it bestowed upon me.

Mrs. Jenkins invited me over one sunny afternoon for a cup of tea and a chat. As we sat at her kitchen table, sipping on the fragrant brew, she suddenly got up and disappeared into her pantry. She returned with a tattered old recipe card in her hand, a smile playing on her lips.

"Here, dear," she said, handing me the card. "This is a recipe that has been in my family for as long as I can remember. I think you'll enjoy it."

I eagerly took the card from her hand and read through the ingredients and instructions. Broiled Tomatoes. It sounded simple enough, but there was something about the way Mrs. Jenkins spoke of it that made it seem like so much more than just a dish.

The next day, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. The smell of ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs filled the air as I carefully sliced the tomatoes and arranged them on a baking sheet. I sprinkled them with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, and parsley, and then popped them under the broiler until they were golden brown and bubbling.

The first bite was like a revelation. The tomatoes were tender and juicy, with a crispy crust on top that added a wonderful crunch to each bite. The flavors of the garlic and parsley melded together perfectly, creating a dish that was both simple and elegant.

I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I would pass down to my own children and grandchildren one day. And so, I made a mental note to thank Mrs. Jenkins for sharing her family secret with me, and to always cherish the memories that were created in the kitchen.

Years passed, and I continued to make Broiled Tomatoes for my family and friends. It became a dish that was requested at every gathering, a dish that brought smiles and laughter to all who tried it. And with each bite, I felt a connection to the past, to Mrs. Jenkins and her grandmother, and to all the generations of women who had come before me.

As I grew older, I found myself teaching the recipe to my own grandchildren, passing on the tradition of Broiled Tomatoes to the next generation. And as I watched them carefully slice the tomatoes and sprinkle on the breadcrumbs, I knew that the recipe would continue to live on, a reminder of the love and care that went into every dish that was cooked in my kitchen.

And so, as I sit here now, with a pot of tea brewing on the stove and the smell of Broiled Tomatoes wafting through the air, I am filled with a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the recipes that have been passed down to me, for the memories that have been created in my kitchen, and for the love that has been shared around my table. And as I take a bite of the dish that has brought me so much joy over the years, I know that I am truly blessed to have learned the recipe for Broiled Tomatoes.