Juicy baked tomatoes – a quick recipe for a family dinner

Juicy baked tomatoes are a fantastic, quick, and versatile side dish perfect for a family dinner! Here’s a simple recipe that’s packed with flavor:

Ingredients:

• 4-6 large, ripe tomatoes (Roma, beefsteak, or your favorite variety)
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added tang)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Prepare the Tomatoes:
   • Wash the tomatoes and cut them in half horizontally.
   • If desired, you can lightly scoop out some of the seeds and pulp to create a small cavity.
   • Place the tomato halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
3. Season the Tomatoes:
   • Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes.
   • Sprinkle the minced garlic, oregano (or Italian seasoning), salt, and pepper evenly over the tomatoes.
   • If using, drizzle balsamic vinegar over the tomatoes.
   • If using, sprinkle the tomatoes with breadcrumbs, or parmesan cheese.
4. Bake:
   • Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and juicy. The exact time will depend on the size and ripeness of the tomatoes.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the tomatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
   • Serve warm as a side dish with your favorite meal.

Tips and Variations:

• Cherry Tomatoes: You can use cherry tomatoes instead of large tomatoes. Simply halve them and follow the same instructions.
• Stuffing: For a more substantial dish, you can stuff the tomatoes with breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese before baking.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or marjoram.
• Cheese: Add a layer of mozzarella or feta cheese on top of the tomatoes before baking.
• Onions: add sliced onions to the baking dish with the tomatoes.
• Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Enjoy your delicious and easy baked tomatoes!