📝 About This Recipe
Transport your senses to the hills of Southern France with this classic 'Tomates Provençale,' a dish that celebrates the rustic simplicity of Mediterranean cooking. Ripe, juicy tomatoes are halved and crowned with a crisp, golden crust of sourdough breadcrumbs, fragrant garlic, and a bouquet of fresh herbs. It is the ultimate expression of summer, offering a perfect balance of acidic sweetness and savory, aromatic crunch.
🥗 Ingredients
The Tomatoes
- 6 pieces Large ripe Beefsteak or Vine-ripened Tomatoes (firm but ripe, halved horizontally)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (for drawing out moisture)
- 1/4 teaspoon Granulated sugar (to balance acidity)
The Persillade (Breadcrumb Topping)
- 1.5 cups Fresh Sourdough Breadcrumbs (coarsely pulsed in a food processor)
- 1/2 cup Fresh Flat-leaf Parsley (finely chopped)
- 4 pieces Garlic cloves (minced into a paste)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme leaves (stripped from the stem)
- 1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence (dried blend)
- 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano (finely grated (optional for extra savoriness))
- 4 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (high quality, plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position a rack in the center. Lightly grease a shallow ceramic baking dish or a cast-iron skillet with olive oil.
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2
Slice the tomatoes in half horizontally (across the equator). Using your finger or a small spoon, gently remove the excess seeds and watery pulp from the chambers, being careful not to puncture the outer skin.
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3
Place the tomato halves cut-side down on paper towels for 10 minutes. This crucial step ensures your dish isn't soggy by draining away excess liquid.
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4
While the tomatoes drain, prepare the Persillade. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the fresh sourdough breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, thyme, and Herbes de Provence.
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5
Drizzle the 4 tablespoons of olive oil over the breadcrumb mixture and toss with a fork until the crumbs are evenly coated and look like damp sand. Stir in the grated cheese if using.
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6
Flip the tomatoes over and place them cut-side up in the prepared baking dish. They should fit snugly but not be crushed against each other.
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7
Season the face of each tomato with a tiny pinch of salt and a dusting of sugar. This enhances the natural sweetness as they roast.
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8
Spoon a generous amount of the herbed breadcrumb mixture onto each tomato half, pressing down very lightly so the topping adheres.
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9
Give the entire dish a final, light drizzle of olive oil to help the crumbs brown beautifully in the oven.
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10
Bake for 25-30 minutes. You are looking for the tomatoes to soften and slightly slump, while the topping turns a deep, golden brown.
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11
If the crumbs aren't brown enough after 30 minutes, switch to the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching very closely to prevent burning.
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12
Remove from the oven and let the tomatoes rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle and makes them easier to serve without falling apart.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use 'meaty' tomatoes like Roma or Beefsteak; heirloom varieties are delicious but can be too watery if not drained properly. Always use fresh breadcrumbs rather than store-bought dried ones for a superior, crunchy texture. If your garlic is very strong, blanch the cloves in boiling water for 1 minute before mincing to mellow the flavor. Avoid over-salting the tomatoes initially, as the cheese and the reduction of the tomato juice will naturally concentrate the saltiness. For a vegan version, simply omit the cheese and add a teaspoon of nutritional yeast to the breadcrumbs for that umami kick.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve as a sophisticated side dish alongside grilled lamb chops or roast chicken. Pair with a crisp, chilled Provence Rosé or a light Vermentino to complement the herbal notes. Place atop a bed of buttery arugula or mixed greens for a light, elegant lunch. Serve with a thick slice of crusty baguette to mop up the flavorful garlic-herb oil left in the pan. Accompany with a side of creamy polenta or goat cheese mash for a comforting vegetarian meal.