Scalloped Tomatoes
Scalloped Tomatoes Recipe with Margarine, Onion, Breadcrumbs, Salt, Basil, Pepper, and Sugar
Introduction
Scalloped tomatoes is a classic dish that combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with savory breadcrumbs and herbs. This dish is perfect for using up an abundance of fresh tomatoes from the garden or farmers market.
History
Scalloped tomatoes have been a popular dish in American cuisine for decades. This recipe likely originated as a way to use up excess tomatoes during the summer months when they are in abundance. The combination of tomatoes, breadcrumbs, and herbs creates a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
- In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook the onion until tender.
- Stir in the crumbs, salt, basil, and pepper.
- In a 1.5 qt (1.42 liter) shallow casserole dish, layer 0.25 of the tomato slices and sprinkle with 1 tsp of sugar and 0.25 of the bread crumb mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with the bread crumb mixture.
- Cover the casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Uncover the casserole dish and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the crumbs are golden.
Variations
- Add grated cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy twist.
- Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor in this dish.
- You can customize the herbs and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- For a crispy topping, broil the dish for a few minutes at the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve scalloped tomatoes as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it as a light vegetarian main course.
Cooking Techniques
Baking
Ingredient Substitutions
Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.
- Substitute panko breadcrumbs for a crispier topping.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the breadcrumb mixture and slice the tomatoes ahead of time, then assemble and bake the dish when ready to serve.
Presentation Ideas
Serve scalloped tomatoes in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation, or garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store 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: 200 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 24g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 10g per serving
Saturated Fat: 2g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 4g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin C: 30% of daily value per serving
Vitamin A: 20% of daily value per serving
Alergens
Contains: Wheat (breadcrumbs)
Summary
This dish is a good source of vitamins A and C, and provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Summary
Scalloped tomatoes is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for showcasing fresh summer tomatoes. With a crispy breadcrumb topping and savory herbs, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next meal.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was a worn and tattered piece of paper, yellowed with age and covered in scribbles and stains. The title at the top read "Scalloped Tomatoes," and underneath were a list of ingredients and directions that seemed to me to be nothing short of magic.
I had come across the recipe in an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. She had been a fantastic cook, always whipping up delicious meals from scratch with no need for measurements or instructions. It was from her that I had learned the basics of cooking, but this recipe was unlike anything I had ever seen before.
I was intrigued by the simplicity of the ingredients – just tomatoes, bread crumbs, butter, and a few seasonings. It seemed too easy to be true, but I decided to give it a try. I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my small kitchen, following the directions carefully and hoping for the best.
As the dish baked in the oven, the sweet and tangy smell of tomatoes filled the air, mingling with the rich aroma of butter and spices. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product, and when I finally pulled it out of the oven and took my first bite, I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special.
The tomatoes were tender and juicy, the bread crumbs crispy and golden, and the flavors melded together in perfect harmony. It was a dish that tasted like home, like comfort, like love. I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe, one that would be passed down through the generations just like the cookbook that had brought it into my life.
I soon learned that this recipe for scalloped tomatoes had a long and storied history. It had been passed down through my family for generations, each cook adding their own twist and making it their own. My grandmother had learned it from her mother, who had learned it from hers, and so on and so forth, back through time immemorial.
But the origins of the recipe were shrouded in mystery. Some said it had been brought over from the Old Country by a long-lost ancestor, while others claimed it had been invented by a famous chef in a distant land. Whatever the truth may be, one thing was certain – this recipe had a magic all its own.
Over the years, I honed my skills and perfected the recipe, making it my own and adding my own unique touches. I experimented with different types of tomatoes, varied the seasonings, and even tried adding cheese or bacon for a little extra flair. But no matter how I tweaked and tinkered, the essence of the dish remained the same – simple, delicious, and comforting.
I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all raved about its deliciousness and begged for the secret behind its success. I taught my children how to make it, passing on the tradition and ensuring that it would live on for generations to come. And as I grew older, I found solace and joy in preparing the dish, knowing that each bite was a taste of history and heritage.
Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the smells and sounds of cooking, I am filled with gratitude for this simple yet profound recipe. It has been a constant companion through good times and bad, a source of comfort and joy when I needed it most. And as I take a bite of the scalloped tomatoes that I have just pulled out of the oven, I am reminded once again of the magic of cooking, of the power of a simple dish to bring people together and create memories that last a lifetime.
Categories
| Casserole Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Tomato Recipes | Tomato Side Dish Recipes |