Herb-Infused Oven-Roasted Tomatoes with Creamy Feta
Indulge in the rich, intense flavors of oven-roasted tomatoes that transform into sweet, chewy bites, infused with fragrant herbs and paired with creamy, tangy feta cheese. This delightful appetizer is perfect for summer dining, whether served as a starter or as a light lunch. With a drizzle of premium extra virgin olive oil, each serving offers a burst of Mediterranean goodness and pairs beautifully with crusty bread for an unforgettable experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
6 tablespoons (divided for greasing and drizzling)
Red ripe tomatoes
1.5 lbs (cut in half lengthways)
Fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon (fresh leaves, for sprinkling)
Flaked sea salt
1.5 teaspoons (for seasoning)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Good quality Greek feta cheese
1 lb (crumbled or sliced, for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2
Lightly grease a shallow roasting tin with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
3
Carefully cut the ripe tomatoes in half lengthwise, then place them cut-side up in the greased roasting tin.
4
Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves evenly over the tomatoes, followed by the flaked sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5
Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, allowing their flavors to begin to concentrate.
6
After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and continue roasting for an additional 1½ hours, or until the tomatoes have shrunk to about half their original size and developed a rich, concentrated flavor.
7
Once roasted, remove the tomatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
8
To serve, divide the roasted tomatoes and creamy feta cheese evenly among four plates.
9
Generously drizzle the remaining extra virgin olive oil over the arranged plates, and finish with an extra sprinkle of flaked sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The dish is Herb-Infused Oven-Roasted Tomatoes with Creamy Feta, a Mediterranean-style appetizer.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
You should use 1.5 lbs of red ripe tomatoes, cut in half lengthways.
What are the two roasting temperatures used?
The recipe starts at 475°F (245°C) and then drops to 300°F (150°C) for slow roasting.
How long does the initial high-heat roast last?
The tomatoes are initially roasted at 475°F for 15 minutes.
How long is the slow-roasting period?
The tomatoes are slow-roasted at 300°F for an additional 1.5 hours.
What herb is used to season the tomatoes?
One teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves is used for seasoning.
What kind of cheese is paired with the tomatoes?
One pound of good quality Greek feta cheese, crumbled or sliced, is used for serving.
How much olive oil is required in total?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, divided for greasing and drizzling.
What is the expected texture of the roasted tomatoes?
The tomatoes transform into sweet, chewy bites with a rich, concentrated flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The instructions suggest dividing the ingredients evenly among four plates.
What should the tomatoes look like after roasting?
They should have shrunk to about half their original size.
What kind of salt is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 1.5 teaspoons of flaked sea salt.
Do I need to grease the roasting tin?
Yes, lightly grease a shallow roasting tin with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How are the tomatoes placed in the roasting tin?
The tomatoes should be placed cut-side up in the roasting tin.
When do I add the feta cheese?
Add the feta cheese after the tomatoes have been roasted and cooled slightly.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to drizzle with olive oil and finish with an extra sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Can this be served as a main course?
It is primarily intended as an appetizer or a light lunch.
What should I serve with this dish?
It pairs beautifully with crusty bread.
What total quantity of feta is used?
The recipe uses 1 lb of good quality Greek feta cheese.
Are the thyme leaves dried or fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh thyme leaves.
Is there any sugar added to the tomatoes?
No, the sweetness comes naturally from the concentration of flavors during the roasting process.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 ingredients: olive oil, tomatoes, thyme, sea salt, black pepper, and feta cheese.
What type of black pepper should be used?
Freshly ground or cracked black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I use a different type of oil?
The recipe specifies extra virgin olive oil for its premium Mediterranean flavor.
Is the feta roasted with the tomatoes?
No, the feta is served fresh alongside the roasted tomatoes.
What time of year is this dish best suited for?
It is described as a perfect dish for summer dining.
What is the preparation for the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be cut in half lengthwise.
How do I distribute the oil?
Use 2 tablespoons for greasing the tin and the remaining 4 tablespoons for drizzling at the end.
What type of roasting tin is best?
A shallow roasting tin is recommended for this recipe.