Grilled Heirloom Tomatoes with Herb Infusion
Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with these Grilled Heirloom Tomatoes infused with fresh herbs. The juicy, ripe tomatoes are grilled to perfection, allowing the natural sweetness to caramelize while the herbs contribute fragrant notes. This rewarding dish not only showcases the beauty of heirloom tomatoes but also pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, pasta dishes, or can be enjoyed on their own as a light vegetarian delight. A perfect side for gatherings, this recipe is inspired by the culinary elegance found in Bon Appetit (August 2008).
8
Servings
40
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Heirloom Tomatoes
6 large (cored and cut horizontally in half)
Fresh Oregano
2 tablespoons (divided)
Fresh Thyme Leaves
2 tablespoons (divided)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
5 tablespoons (divided)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Black Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it's well-prepared for the tomatoes.
2
On a rimmed baking sheet, arrange the halved heirloom tomatoes cut side up. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3
Sprinkle 1 1/2 tablespoons each of fresh oregano and thyme evenly over the exposed cut sides of the tomatoes.
4
Drizzle 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the tomatoes, making sure they are well-coated.
5
Once the grill is hot, brush the grate with the remaining olive oil to prevent sticking.
6
Place the seasoned tomatoes cut side up on the grill. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes or until the bottoms are beautifully charred.
7
Carefully turn the tomatoes over to grill the skin side for just about 1 minute—this will add a light sear without overcooking them.
8
Remove the tomatoes from the grill and place them cut side up on a serving platter.
9
Finish the dish by sprinkling the remaining 1/2 tablespoon each of oregano and thyme on top of the grilled tomatoes.
10
Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired, and serve warm to relish the vibrant flavors.
Nutrition Information
4.5g
Fat
1.5g
Carbs
0.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grilled Heirloom Tomatoes with Herb Infusion?
This is a vibrant summer dish featuring large heirloom tomatoes that are seasoned with fresh oregano and thyme, then grilled to caramelize their natural sweetness.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What type of tomatoes should I use for this recipe?
You should use 6 large heirloom tomatoes that have been cored and cut horizontally in half.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 40 calories, 4.5g of fat, 1.5g of carbohydrates, and 0.25g of protein.
What herbs are used in the herb infusion?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons each of fresh oregano and fresh thyme leaves, divided for use during and after grilling.
How much olive oil is required?
A total of 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil is used for coating the tomatoes and greasing the grill grate.
What is the recommended grill temperature?
You should preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
How long do I cook the tomatoes on the first side?
The tomatoes should be grilled cut side up for about 3 to 4 minutes or until the bottoms are beautifully charred.
How long do I grill the skin side?
After the first side is charred, turn the tomatoes over and grill the skin side for about 1 minute.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a light vegetarian dish and is also suitable for vegans.
What should I do to prevent the tomatoes from sticking?
Brush the grill grate with olive oil once it is hot and just before placing the tomatoes on the grill.
Should the tomatoes be cored?
Yes, the preparation instructions specify that the heirloom tomatoes should be cored before being cut in half.
Can I add extra olive oil after cooking?
Yes, you can drizzle additional olive oil over the tomatoes once they are on the serving platter if desired.
What is the source of inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary elegance found in the August 2008 issue of Bon Appetit.
What can I serve these grilled tomatoes with?
They pair wonderfully with grilled meats, pasta dishes, or can be enjoyed on their own as a side.
How are the tomatoes seasoned before grilling?
They are seasoned with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1.5 tablespoons each of fresh oregano and thyme.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
No, the recipe involves grilling the tomatoes with their skins on to help them hold their shape.
Are these tomatoes served hot or cold?
They are best served warm to fully relish their vibrant, caramelized flavors.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: heirloom tomatoes, fresh oregano, fresh thyme, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include grilled vegetables, heirloom tomatoes, vegetarian side, summer recipe, herb-infused, bbq, and outdoor cooking.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests using salt and black pepper to taste for seasoning.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 4.5 grams of fat.
Can I use a different type of oil?
While extra virgin olive oil is recommended for flavor, you could use other high-quality oils, though the taste profile will change.
Is it necessary to use fresh herbs?
Fresh herbs are highly recommended to achieve the fragrant notes and vibrant flavor described in the recipe.
What happens if I overcook the skin side?
Overcooking the skin side may cause the tomatoes to become too soft or mushy, so 1 minute is sufficient for a light sear.
How many calories are in the entire recipe?
With 8 servings at 40 calories each, the total recipe is approximately 320 calories.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The recipe data indicates that sugar content is negligible or not specified, though tomatoes contain natural sugars.
How do I arrange the tomatoes for seasoning?
Arrange the halved tomatoes cut side up on a rimmed baking sheet before applying the seasonings and oil.
What is the protein content of this dish?
There is approximately 0.25 grams of protein per serving.