Vegetarian Scalloped Tomatoes au Gratin Recipe from Czech Republic

Scalloped Tomatoes au Gratin

Vegetarian Scalloped Tomatoes au Gratin Recipe from Czech Republic
Region / culture: Czech Republic | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 | Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Scalloped Tomatoes au Gratin
Scalloped Tomatoes au Gratin

Scalloped Tomatoes au Gratin is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. This recipe combines the flavors of juicy tomatoes, savory onions, and gooey cheese, all baked to perfection.

History

The origins of Scalloped Tomatoes au Gratin can be traced back to traditional French cuisine, where gratin dishes are popular for their rich and creamy textures. This recipe has been adapted over the years to include ingredients like tomatoes and cheese, creating a unique and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
  2. Cut 3 slices of toast into cubes.
  3. Mix tomatoes, chopped onion, sugar, salt, and pepper together.
  4. Grease a casserole dish.
  5. Layer the cubed toast, followed by a layer of the tomato mixture, then another layer of toast, and finally another layer of the tomato mixture.
  6. Top with the remaining slice of toast.
  7. Pour melted butter over the slice of toast.
  8. Sprinkle with the cheese.
  9. Bake for 20 minutes.

Variations

  • Add cooked bacon or ham for a meatier version.
  • Use different types of cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for a unique flavor.
  • Add breadcrumbs to the cheese topping for extra crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.

- You can customize this recipe by adding herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.

- Make sure to evenly layer the ingredients in the casserole dish for even cooking.

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

Serving Suggestions

Serve Scalloped Tomatoes au Gratin as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it as a main course with a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher flavor.

- Substitute honey or maple syrup for molasses.

- Use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dish up to the baking step ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Scalloped Tomatoes au Gratin 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 wine like Pinot Noir.

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

Each serving of Scalloped Tomatoes au Gratin contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Scalloped Tomatoes au Gratin contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Scalloped Tomatoes au Gratin contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Scalloped Tomatoes au Gratin contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and butter) and gluten (toast), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Scalloped Tomatoes au Gratin is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Scalloped Tomatoes au Gratin is a delicious and comforting dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Scalloped Tomatoes au Gratin. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My grandmother was known far and wide for her delicious cooking, and she had a knack for finding the most mouthwatering recipes in the most unexpected places.

One sunny afternoon, as I was helping my grandmother tend to her garden, she suddenly stopped and exclaimed, "I have the most wonderful recipe to share with you today, my dear." She reached into the pocket of her apron and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper, covered in faded ink and splattered with tomato sauce.

"This," she said with a twinkle in her eye, "is a recipe for Scalloped Tomatoes au Gratin. It's a dish that will make your taste buds sing with joy." I eagerly took the recipe from her hands and read through the ingredients and instructions, my mouth watering at the thought of the rich, cheesy tomato goodness that awaited.

My grandmother explained that she had learned the recipe from a dear friend many years ago, who had passed it down to her as a cherished family secret. She had made a few tweaks and additions of her own over the years, but the basic recipe remained the same.

I couldn't wait to try my hand at making the Scalloped Tomatoes au Gratin, so I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make it. She smiled and agreed, and we spent the rest of the afternoon in the kitchen, chopping tomatoes, grating cheese, and layering the ingredients in a baking dish.

As the dish baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with the delicious aroma of tomatoes and cheese, my grandmother shared stories of her own childhood and the recipes she had learned from her own grandmother. She told me how important it was to cherish and pass down family recipes, keeping our culinary traditions alive for future generations.

When the timer dinged and we pulled the bubbling, golden-brown Scalloped Tomatoes au Gratin out of the oven, I couldn't wait to dig in. The first bite was pure bliss - the tangy tomatoes, creamy cheese, and crunchy breadcrumbs all coming together in perfect harmony. My grandmother watched me with a proud smile, knowing that I had truly learned the art of cooking from her.

From that day on, Scalloped Tomatoes au Gratin became a staple in our family's cooking repertoire. I would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, and even just for a cozy night in with a good book and a glass of wine. Each time I made the dish, I felt a connection to my grandmother and the generations of women who had come before me, sharing their love and passion for cooking through the simple act of preparing a delicious meal.

As the years passed and I grew older, I passed the recipe for Scalloped Tomatoes au Gratin down to my own children and grandchildren, just as my grandmother had done for me. The dish became a beloved tradition in our family, a symbol of love, heritage, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones we hold dear.

And so, every time I make Scalloped Tomatoes au Gratin, I am reminded of that sunny afternoon in my grandmother's kitchen, where I first learned the magic of cooking and the power of a cherished family recipe. It's a dish that will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and warmth that comes from sharing a meal with those we hold dear.

Categories

| Brown Sugar Recipes | Cheese Recipes | Czech Recipes | Czech Vegetarian | Maple Syrup Recipes | Molasses Recipes | Slavic Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes |

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