Chef-No-Tell

Provencal Tomatoes

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 15 min | Servings: 8

Recipe courtesy Ina Garten, Barefoot Contessa Family Style (inspired by Julia Child)

Ingredients

  • 6 Tomatoes , ripe, 2 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter
  • 1.5 cup Bread crumbs , fresh white (5 slices, crusts removed)
  • 0.25 cup Scallions , minced, white and green parts (2 scallions)
  • 0.25 cup Basil , fresh, minced
  • 2 tbsp Parsley , fresh flat-leaf, minced
  • 2 tsp Garlic , minced (2 cloves)
  • 0.5 tsp Thyme , fresh leaves
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper , freshly ground
  • 0.5 cup Gruyere cheese , grated
  • Olive oil , good

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Cut the cores from the tomatoes, removing as little as possible. Cut them in half crosswise and, with your fingers, remove the seeds and juice. Place the tomato halves in a baking dish.

In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs, scallions, basil, parsley, garlic, thyme, and 1 teaspoon salt. Sprinkle the tomato halves generously with salt and pepper. With your hands, fill the cavities and cover the tops of the tomatoes with the bread crumb mixture. Bake the tomatoes for 15 minutes, or until they're tender. Sprinkle with the cheese, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 30 seconds more. Serve hot or at room temperature.