French Tomato Recipes

I adore discovering the vivid flavors that luscious tomatoes add to any dish, especially when the dish is one inspired by the glorious culinary traditions of France. French Tomato Provençal is one of those recipes that, for me, combines simplicity and elegance in an extraordinary way.

This dish’s real magic starts with four large, perfectly ripe tomatoes, the vital stars that deliver the freshness and nutrition that this dish requires. Tomatoes boast an impressive array of health-promoting nutrients and serve as an excellent vehicle for them.

Not only are tomatoes loaded with vitamins C and K, but they are also teeming with potassium and powerful antioxidants such as lycopene. The next essential ingredient that builds the flavor profile of this dish is finely chopped onion and minced garlic.

When these two are combined in a sauté pan, the kitchen begins to smell really good! Adding a teaspoon of herbes de Provence immediately makes any dish taste unmistakably French, transporting you to the French countryside.

Fresh basil and thyme brighten the dish even further with their irresistible aroma and taste. Then there’s the topping—torn bread, grated Parmesan, and a spoonful of melted butter.

When it’s time to consume this dish, every bite crunches perfectly, as if it’s an edible ode to the savory flavor and textural contrasts that define the best French dishes. Salt and pepper, of course, tie everything together.

Ingredients

Tomatoes are low-calorie foods high in vitamins A and C and rich in antioxidants.

Olive oil, especially when it’s extra virgin: It’s mostly healthy fats that boost heart health, plus—oh, the flavor!—and it offers a ton of other health benefits.

Garlic: Recognized for being rich in compounds containing sulfur, which are good for heart health and beneficial to the immune system.

Herbes de Provence: An aromatic mixture that adds complex flavors without a lot of calories.

Parmesan cheese: Contributes a delicious umami flavor, protein, and calcium.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 large ripe tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried herbes de Provence
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Remove the tops of the tomatoes, and scoop out the seeds and pulp with a spoon, taking care not to poke a hole in the tomato skin. Set the tomato cups upside down on paper towels, to drain while you prepare the filling.

3. In a frying pan, medium heat the olive oil. Add the onion, chopped, and cook until it achieves translucence, about 5 minutes.

4. Add the minced garlic and herbes de Provence, and cook for 1 more minute until smelling really good.

5. In a bowl, mix the cooked onion and garlic with the bread crumbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano, fresh basil, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper.

6. Gently pack the mixture into the tomatoes.

7. Combine melted butter with whatever leftover bread crumb mixture you have and top each stuffed tomato with it.

8. In a baking dish, place the tomatoes and bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown. The tomatoes should be tender but not falling apart.

9. When they have finished baking, take them from the oven and allow them to cool for a brief time before serving.

10. If you wish, you can add a few more basil leaves as a garnish before serving the stuffed tomatoes. Serve them warm, and take pleasure in their deliciousness; these stuffed tomatoes are a delightful French-inspired dish, indeed!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Frying pan
3. Bowl
4. Baking dish
5. Spoon
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Paper towels
9. Measuring spoons
10. Measuring cups

FAQ

• How can I make this recipe vegan?Substitute vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for the Parmesan cheese, and employ vegan butter in place of regular butter.
• Can I use a different type of tomato?Certainly! Any kind of tomato that is ripe will do, but your best bet for flavor and juiciness is to use larger tomatoes, like beefsteak or heirloom varieties.
• Do I have to use fresh herbs?Although fresh herbs are advised for the finest flavor, you can use dried herbs in their place; just remember to use them in lesser amounts, as they are more concentrated.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes, you can prepare the tomato mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble and bake when ready to serve for the freshest taste.
• Can I use this recipe for stuffing other vegetables?This blend would certainly pair nicely with other kinds of vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.
• What is herbes de Provence?Herbes de Provence is a blend of typical dried herbs from the Provence region of France. It often contains:

  – thyme
  – basil
  – rosemary
  – tarragon
  – savory
  – marjoram
  – oregano

  Sometimes, there’s even lavender in Herbes de Provence.

• How do I ensure the breadcrumb topping is crispy?Mixing the breadcrumbs with melted butter prior to using them ensures that they bake up to a crisp finish.

Substitutions and Variations

Below are a few alternate ingredients for some of the components:
Olive oil, extra virgin: Substitute with avocado oil or sunflower oil.
Garlic: Substituting 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for 2 cloves.
Herbes de Provence: Substitute with Italian seasoning or a mixture of thyme, rosemary, and marjoram.
Substitute for Parmesan cheese: Use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a non-dairy alternative.
Bread crumbs: For a different texture, use panko or crushed crackers.