Tomato and Pecorino Gratin: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Side Dish
Picture a side dish that combines the freshness of ripe tomatoes with the bold flavor of pecorino, all enriched by a crispy golden gratin. Today, I’ll guide you step by step in creating this dish that evokes memories of summer family dinners, when the aroma of melted cheese mingled with the warm evening air.
We’re talking about a simple yet flavorful preparation, perfect to accompany both meat and fish dishes or to be enjoyed on its own as a vegetarian option. The tomatoes are hollowed out and then filled with an aromatic mix where breadcrumbs meet the intensity of garlic and the rusticity of pecorino, creating a symphony of flavors that will dance on your palate.
I still remember when my grandma used to make them for me; every bite was a dive into childhood memories. And now it’s time to bring this tradition to your kitchen. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can create something that will leave everyone amazed!
Get ready: you’re about to discover how to transform classic tomatoes into something incredibly special!
Recipe Notes
- EASE: Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a busy day.
- PROS: Bursting with Mediterranean flavors and irresistible crunchiness.
- CONS: Slightly longer preparation time for a side dish, but worth it.
- PREPARATION: Takes 30 minutes, including tomato resting time.
- NUTRITIONAL NOTES: Approximately 200 calories per serving, so you can enjoy guilt-free.
Notes on the Recipe Ingredients
- Ripe Round Tomatoes: go for well-ripened tomatoes for an intense flavor
- Grated Pecorino Cheese: adds a rich and salty flavor
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: gives a fruity and fresh aroma
Nutritional Aspects
Let’s discover the benefits of these delicious cheesy baked tomatoes together:
- Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes.
- Moderate calorie intake: approximately 200 calories per serving.
- Source of calcium thanks to the grated pecorino cheese.
- Contains garlic and parsley, allies for a strong immune system.
- Extra virgin olive oil: monounsaturated fats for heart health.
- Optional whole wheat breadcrumbs for an extra dose of beneficial fibers.
Recipe for Baked Tomatoes with Pecorino Cheese
Ingredients
- 6 Ripe Round Tomatoes Tomatoes Round Ripe
- 1 Garlic Garlic Clove of
- 120g Breadcrumbs Breadcrumbs
- 50g Pecorino Cheese Pecorino Cheese Grated
- Parsley to taste Parsley
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil Olive Oil Extra Virgin
- Salt to taste Salt
- Pepper to taste Pepper
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the tomatoes and cut them in half horizontally. Remove the seeds with a teaspoon and lightly salt the inside. Let them sit upside down on a tilted plate for 20 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with grated pecorino, finely chopped garlic and parsley, salt, and pepper. Add the olive oil and mix well.
- Fill the tomatoes with the mixture, place them in an oiled baking dish, and bake at 200°C for about 20 minutes, until golden brown.
Notes
Variations of the Recipe for Baked Tomatoes with Pecorino
Customize the recipe with these simple twists:
- Add Taggiasca olives to the mixture for an authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Swap out the pecorino for Parmesan for a more delicate variation.
- Try sprinkling the tomatoes with sesame seeds before baking them.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Recipe
If you have any doubts or questions about preparing Baked Tomatoes with Pecorino, you’ll find the answers to your curiosities here!
How can I make the baked tomatoes more crispy?
To achieve an even crispier texture, you can add a handful of pine nuts to the gratin mixture. This will give a surprisingly crunchy touch!
How can I further customize the recipe?
For a unique twist, sprinkle the tomatoes with dried herbs like oregano or thyme before baking. This will add a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your preparation!
