In this recipe blog post, we delve into the delightful world of slow-roasted cherry (or grape) tomatoes with herbed crumbs. This simple yet irresistible dish brings together the vibrant flavors of juicy tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and crispy breadcrumbs. But there’s more to this dish than meets the eye. Join us on a journey as we explore the history, culture, and background behind this delectable culinary creation.
Slow-roasting tomatoes is a technique that dates back centuries. Originally used as a method to preserve tomatoes, slow-roasting intensifies their natural sweetness and enhances their flavors. The process involves cooking tomatoes at a low temperature for an extended period, allowing them to caramelize and develop a rich, concentrated taste.
Cherry tomatoes, small and round in shape, are a popular variety of tomatoes known for their intense sweetness and bright colors. These bite-sized beauties originated in South America and were introduced to Europe in the 16th century. Cherry tomatoes are now cultivated worldwide and cherished for their versatility in various culinary preparations.
Grape tomatoes, a smaller and oblong variety of tomato, have gained popularity in recent years for their sweet flavor and convenient bite-sized shape. Let’s delve into the history of grape tomatoes and explore how they have become a beloved ingredient in culinary creations.
Grape tomatoes are a relatively new addition to the tomato family. They were developed through selective breeding and hybridization techniques to create a tomato variety that possessed specific characteristics. The first commercial variety of grape tomatoes, known as the “Santa F1,” was introduced in the late 1990s by a Dutch seed company named De Ruiter Seeds.
Tomatoes hold a special place in Mediterranean cuisine, where they are widely used in both traditional and modern dishes. The slow-roasting technique, applied to cherry tomatoes, has become particularly popular in Mediterranean countries like Italy, Greece, and Spain. These regions have long celebrated the flavors of sun-ripened tomatoes, and slow-roasting brings out their inherent qualities, adding depth and complexity to the dish.
The addition of herbed crumbs to slow-roasted cherry tomatoes brings a delightful textural contrast and a burst of aromatic flavors. The crumbs, typically made from day-old bread, are combined with herbs such as basil, thyme, or parsley, along with olive oil and seasonings. When baked or toasted, they turn into a golden, crispy topping that complements the tender tomatoes perfectly.
Recipe Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Herbed Crumbs: Now, let’s dive into the recipe for slow-roasted cherry tomatoes with herbed crumbs.
1 Point – Total Time: 45 min – Prep Time: 10 min – Cook Time: 35 min – Serves: 12
Ingredients
- 6 cups Grape tomatoes or Cherry tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp extra-virgin Olive oil, divided
- 1/2 tsp Table salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground Black pepper, divided
- 2/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Fresh oregano, chopped
- 2 tsp Fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp minced garlic
Procedure Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a 9-inch glass pie plate, combine tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon oil, salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; toss to coat and then spread into a single layer.
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, oregano, thyme, garlic, remaining 2 1/2 teaspoons oil and remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper; rub oil into breadcrumbs with your fingers. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over tomatoes. Bake until breadcrumbs are golden and tomato juices are bubbling around edges, about 30 to 35 minutes. Yields about 8 crumb-topped tomatoes per serving.
Notes: Use orange, yellow and red tomatoes for a beautiful presentation.
