Description
Julia Child’s Provencal Tomatoes is a classic French side dish featuring ripe tomatoes stuffed with a flavorful mixture of bread crumbs, shallots, Herbes de Provence, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Baked until golden and tender, these tomatoes offer a perfect balance of savory herbs and rich cheese, making them an elegant yet simple accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Tomatoes
- 3 large firm ripe tomatoes
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Stuffing
- 1 cup bread crumbs (homemade preferred)
- 2 Tbsp minced shallots
- 1 tsp dried Herbes de Provence
- 3 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 3 Tbsp olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set a rack in the upper level of your oven and preheat it to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the tomatoes.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes in half crosswise and carefully core them. Over a bowl or sink, gently squeeze each half to remove the seeds and juice, keeping the tomato cavities clean for stuffing.
- Clean and Arrange: Use your fingers to remove any remaining seeds from the cavities. Arrange the tomato halves cut side up in a shallow baking dish. Trim the bottoms if necessary so they stand flat.
- Season: Lightly sprinkle salt and freshly ground pepper over the tomato halves to enhance their natural flavor.
- Prepare Stuffing: In a bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, minced shallots, dried Herbes de Provence, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil to moisten and evenly coat the mixture.
- Stuff Tomatoes: Spoon the bread crumb mixture into the tomato cavities, pressing it down gently to fill the hollow centers, then mound the remaining stuffing on top.
- Drizzle and Bake: Drizzle additional olive oil over the stuffed tomatoes. At this point, you may cover and refrigerate if preparing ahead. Otherwise, bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the tomatoes are heated through but still hold their shape.
- Serve: Serve the Provencal Tomatoes hot, either in the baking dish or carefully transferred to a serving platter.
Notes
- Using homemade bread crumbs will add better texture and flavor but store-bought can be used in a pinch.
- Ensure tomatoes are firm and ripe to hold their shape during baking.
- If making ahead, cover and refrigerate after drizzling with olive oil and before baking, to maintain freshness.
- The Herbes de Provence can be adjusted based on personal taste preference.
- This dish pairs excellently with grilled meats or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
