Provencal-Style Grilled Stuffed Tomato Recipe
Description:
The Provençal-style grilled stuffed tomatoes are a simple yet delightful dish, perfect for any occasion. If you find yourself with an abundance of ripe tomatoes, this recipe transforms them into a flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with a European-inspired meal. Fresh basil, garlic, and spring onions come together with whole wheat breadcrumbs to create a savory stuffing, topped with melting cheddar cheese. The tomatoes are then grilled to perfection, resulting in a warm, cheesy, and aromatic treat. These stuffed tomatoes make a fantastic appetizer or side dish for gatherings and can be served alongside other French-style dishes such as French Onion Chicken, Grilled Vegetables with Cheese, and a delicious French Brioche (Savoury Version), topped off with a light French Crullers dessert.
Cuisine: European
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 6 whole tomatoes |
| Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs | 2 cups |
| Spring Onion (Bulb & Greens) | 1/2 cup, finely chopped |
| Basil Leaves | 1/4 cup, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, finely chopped |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1 tablespoon, coarsely pounded |
| Salt | To taste |
| Cheddar Cheese | 1/2 cup, grated |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 20 mg |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Calcium | 140 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Begin by slicing the tops off the tomatoes, creating a lid. Using a paring knife, carefully scoop out the seeds and pulp from inside each tomato, creating a hollow shell. Set the hollowed tomatoes aside in a lightly greased baking pan.
-
Make the Stuffing:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs, finely chopped spring onions (both bulb and greens), basil leaves, and garlic. Add the extra virgin olive oil to the mixture, and then season with coarsely pounded black peppercorns and salt to taste. Stir well to combine the ingredients into a cohesive filling.
-
Stuff the Tomatoes:
- Spoon the breadcrumb mixture into each hollowed tomato, packing the filling slightly to ensure it stays in place. Once all the tomatoes are filled, sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese generously on top of each one.
-
Bake the Tomatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the stuffed tomatoes in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the cheese has melted and turned golden.
-
Serve:
- Once done, remove the tomatoes from the oven and serve warm as a delicious side dish or appetizer. The Provencal-style grilled stuffed tomatoes are now ready to be enjoyed!
Pairing Suggestions:
These stuffed tomatoes make an excellent side dish or appetizer for any European-inspired meal. Try serving them with:
- French Onion Chicken: A savory, flavorful chicken dish with the rich taste of caramelized onions.
- Grilled Vegetables with Cheese: A medley of colorful vegetables grilled to perfection and topped with melted cheese.
- French Brioche (Savoury Version): A soft, buttery bread that complements the flavors of the stuffed tomatoes.
- French Crullers: Light and fluffy fried doughnuts for a sweet, crispy finish to your meal.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: The stuffing can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to quickly stuff the tomatoes and bake them just before serving.
- Cheese Variations: If you don’t have cheddar cheese on hand, feel free to swap it for mozzarella, Gruyère, or any cheese of your choice for a different flavor profile.
- Grilling Option: For a smoky flavor, you can grill the stuffed tomatoes instead of baking them. Simply place them on a preheated grill and cook over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until tender and golden.
This Provencal-style stuffed tomato recipe is not only easy to make but also brings vibrant flavors to your table. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or preparing a family meal, these tomatoes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
