Escalloped Tomatoes

Escalloped Tomatoes Recipe - Vegetarian Food

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Escalloped tomatoes is a classic dish that combines the freshness of ripe tomatoes with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. This recipe is a great way to showcase the flavors of summer tomatoes in a simple and delicious way.

History

Escalloped tomatoes have been a popular dish in American cuisine for many years. The dish likely originated as a way to use up an abundance of ripe tomatoes during the summer months. The combination of tomatoes with breadcrumbs and seasonings creates a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of chopped white onion
3 tbsp of melted butter
2.25 cups of fresh soft breadcrumbs
2 tbsp of chopped parsley
3.5 tsp of worcestershire sauce
1.5 tsp of salt
1.5 lb (680 g) of fresh tomatoes, peeled
2 tbsp of olive oil

How to prepare

In a saucepan, sauté the onion in butter for 5 minutes. Then, stir in breadcrumbs, parsley, 1.5 tsp of Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Set aside.
Slice the tomatoes and arrange a layer of them in a lightly buttered casserole dish.
In a separate bowl, combine the oil and the remaining Worcestershire sauce. Pour a little of this mixture over the tomatoes.
Sprinkle the tomato layer lightly with the breadcrumb mixture.
Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of breadcrumbs.
Cover the casserole dish and bake it at 375°F (191°C) for 30 minutes.
Uncover the dish and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are lightly browned.

Variations

Add grated cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy topping.
Mix in fresh herbs like basil or oregano for added flavor.
Use different types of breadcrumbs, such as panko or seasoned breadcrumbs, for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.

- Peeling the tomatoes before slicing them will give the dish a smoother texture.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt or Worcestershire sauce if desired.

- For a crispy breadcrumb topping, broil the dish for a few minutes at the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the escalloped tomatoes as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. They also make a great accompaniment to a summer barbecue or picnic.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of the dish.

- Substitute margarine for butter for a dairy-free option.

- Use canned tomatoes in place of fresh tomatoes if they are not in season.

Make Ahead Tips

The breadcrumb mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the dish just before baking for the best results.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the escalloped tomatoes in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the escalloped tomatoes with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. They also go well with a light salad or roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 280 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 24g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20% of daily value per serving

Vitamin C: 30% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: Wheat, Dairy

Summary

This dish is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as carbohydrates and fats. It is a satisfying and flavorful side dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

Escalloped tomatoes are a delicious and comforting dish that highlights the flavors of ripe summer tomatoes. With a crunchy breadcrumb topping and a hint of Worcestershire sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it as a side dish or a light main course for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Escalloped Tomatoes. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl learning how to cook from my own grandmother. She was a talented cook, always experimenting with new recipes and flavors. One day, while flipping through an old cookbook filled with yellowed pages and tattered corners, I stumbled upon a recipe that caught my eye.

The ingredients were simple - ripe tomatoes, breadcrumbs, butter, and a few seasonings. But the instructions were what intrigued me the most. It called for layering sliced tomatoes with breadcrumbs and butter, then baking them until they were tender and golden brown. It sounded like a dish that was both comforting and delicious, and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

I asked my grandmother about the recipe, and she smiled as she told me about how she had learned to make Escalloped Tomatoes from her own mother. She explained that it was a recipe passed down through generations, each cook adding their own twist to make it their own. She encouraged me to try it out for myself, assuring me that I would love the way the flavors melded together in the oven.

So, armed with fresh tomatoes from the garden and a newfound sense of excitement, I set to work on making my first batch of Escalloped Tomatoes. I carefully sliced the tomatoes, sprinkled them with breadcrumbs, and dotted them with butter. As I placed them in the oven to bake, the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of warm tomatoes and toasty breadcrumbs.

When the dish finally emerged from the oven, golden brown and bubbling with melted butter, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. The tomatoes were soft and juicy, the breadcrumbs crispy and flavorful. I couldn't wait to dig in and savor the fruits of my labor.

As I took my first bite, I was transported back to my grandmother's kitchen, where the air was always filled with the scent of simmering pots and baking bread. I could almost hear her laughter and feel her guiding hand as I cooked. It was a moment of pure joy, a connection to my family's past and a glimpse into the future of my own culinary journey.

From that day on, Escalloped Tomatoes became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and quiet nights at home. Each time I prepared them, I added my own touches - a sprinkle of cheese here, a dash of herbs there - to make the dish uniquely mine.

Now, as I pass the recipe on to my own grandchildren, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude. This simple dish has brought me so much joy and connected me to my family in ways I never could have imagined. I hope that as they make Escalloped Tomatoes in their own kitchens, they too will feel the magic and wonder that comes from cooking with love and tradition. And who knows, maybe one day, they'll add their own twist to the recipe and pass it on to future generations, keeping the tradition alive for years to come.