Vine-ripened Tomatoes Provençal
Vine-Ripened Tomatoes Provençal Recipe from France
Introduction
Vine-ripened Tomatoes Provençal is a classic French dish that showcases the natural sweetness and juiciness of ripe tomatoes. This recipe combines the flavors of garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs to create a delicious and satisfying side dish or light meal.
History
The Provençal region of France is known for its vibrant culinary traditions, which emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple preparation techniques. Vine-ripened Tomatoes Provençal is a dish that has been enjoyed in the region for generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the recipe.
Ingredients
- 6 medium vine ripened tomatoes, cut in half
- 2 tbsp minced parsley
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp finely minced garlic
- 2 tsp minced chives
- 1 tsp minced thyme
- 0.5 cup dry bread crumbs
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
How to prepare
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Prepare the tomatoes and set them aside.
- Combine the remaining ingredients, except for bread crumbs, pepper, and salt.
- Add the bread crumbs and mix well.
- Season with pepper and salt, and spread the mixture evenly over each tomato half.
- Place the tomatoes in a baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
Variations
- Add crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan on top before baking.
- Substitute the breadcrumbs with almond meal for a gluten-free option.
- Mix in cooked quinoa or couscous for added protein and fiber.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve the tomatoes warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Vine-ripened Tomatoes Provençal as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and healthy meal.
Cooking Techniques
Baking
Ingredient Substitutions
Use cherry tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes instead of vine-ripened tomatoes.
- Substitute parsley with basil or cilantro.
- Use lemon zest instead of lemon juice.
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare the tomato mixture in advance and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the tomatoes on a bed of mixed greens or with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Vine-ripened Tomatoes Provençal with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Vine-ripened Tomatoes Provençal contains approximately 120 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Vine-ripened Tomatoes Provençal contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Vine-ripened Tomatoes Provençal contains approximately 5 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Vine-ripened Tomatoes Provençal contains approximately 3 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Vine-ripened Tomatoes Provençal is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.
Alergens
This recipe contains gluten from the breadcrumbs and may contain traces of nuts.
Summary
Vine-ripened Tomatoes Provençal is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Vine-ripened Tomatoes Provençal is a delicious and healthy dish that celebrates the flavors of ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs. With a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy this classic French recipe at home.
How did I get this recipe?
I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Vine-ripened Tomatoes Provençal. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished shopping at the local farmers' market. As I was browsing through the produce section, a kind elderly woman approached me and struck up a conversation about tomatoes.
She told me that she had a special recipe for Vine-ripened Tomatoes Provençal that had been passed down through generations in her family. Intrigued, I asked her if she would be willing to share the recipe with me, and to my delight, she agreed.
As we sat down at a nearby picnic table, the woman began to recount how she had learned to make the dish. She explained that her grandmother had taught her the recipe when she was just a young girl, and that she had been making it ever since.
The key to this recipe, she told me, was using the freshest, most flavorful ingredients possible. The tomatoes had to be perfectly ripe and juicy, the herbs had to be fragrant and aromatic, and the garlic had to be pungent and sharp.
As she talked, I could practically taste the dish in my mind. The combination of sweet tomatoes, savory herbs, and tangy garlic sounded absolutely divine. I knew that I had to try making it for myself.
After jotting down the recipe on a scrap of paper, I bid farewell to the woman and headed home to gather the necessary ingredients. I made sure to pick the ripest tomatoes from my garden, pluck the freshest herbs from my herb patch, and crush the most flavorful garlic cloves I could find.
As I began to prepare the dish, memories of my own grandmother flooded back to me. She had been an incredible cook, always whipping up delicious meals from scratch. I remembered how she would teach me how to knead dough, chop vegetables, and season dishes just right.
I could almost hear her voice guiding me as I sliced the tomatoes, minced the herbs, and sautéed the garlic. I could feel her presence in the kitchen, watching over me as I stirred the ingredients together and let the flavors meld.
When the dish was finally ready, I took a deep breath and savored the aroma wafting from the pan. The scent of roasted tomatoes, garlic, and herbs filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.
I plated the dish carefully, making sure to arrange the tomatoes in a beautiful pattern on the serving platter. I sprinkled some fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color and flavor, then stood back to admire my handiwork.
As I took my first bite of the Vine-ripened Tomatoes Provençal, I was transported back in time to that warm summer day at the farmers' market. I could almost see the kind woman's face smiling at me, her eyes twinkling with pride.
The dish was everything I had hoped for and more. The tomatoes were sweet and juicy, the herbs were fragrant and aromatic, and the garlic was pungent and sharp. Every bite was a burst of flavor, a symphony of tastes and textures that danced on my tongue.
I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I would make for my family and friends for years to come. And as I sat down to enjoy my meal, I whispered a silent thank you to the kind woman who had shared her family's recipe with me. Her generosity had brought a little piece of Provence into my own home, and for that, I would always be grateful.
Categories
| Casserole Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | French Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes | Vine Tomato Recipes |