Mediterranean Baked Eggs in Roasted Tomato Cups with Prosciutto and Fresh Basil
This delightful dish combines the richness of baked eggs with the vibrant flavors of ripe, roasted tomatoes. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner, these Mediterranean-inspired Eggs Baked in Tomatoes are wrapped in savory prosciutto and fragrant fresh basil. Each bite offers a perfect balance of velvety egg yolk, sweetly roasted tomato, and a hint of salty goodness from the cured meat. It's a beautiful dish that not only looks appealing but also promises to satisfy your cravings. Serve with crunchy toast soldiers for a complete experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large Tomatoes
6 (Remove tops and scoop out seeds.)
Fresh Basil Leaves
A handful (plus extra for serving) (Finely chopped and a few whole for garnish.)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
To taste (For brushing and seasoning.)
Prosciutto (or Pancetta)
6 slices (Wrap around tomatoes.)
Large Eggs
6 (To crack into the tomatoes.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Begin by carefully cutting off the tops of the tomatoes and using a teaspoon to scoop out the seeds. Place the tomatoes upside-down on paper towels for about 15 minutes to allow excess moisture to drain.
3
Using a mortar and pestle, crush the fresh basil with a pinch of salt until it forms a paste. Gradually add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to loosen the mixture and blend well. Season with freshly cracked black pepper.
4
Smear a little of the basil oil mixture inside each tomato, ensuring they are well coated.
5
Wrap each drained tomato with a slice of prosciutto or pancetta, securing it in place with a toothpick.
6
Arrange the tomatoes on a greased baking tray or in an ovenproof skillet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the tomatoes become tender and the prosciutto starts to crisp around the edges.
7
Carefully remove the tray from the oven and crack an egg into each tomato. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your desired consistency while keeping the yolks runny.
8
Garnish with extra chopped basil and serve immediately, accompanied by toast soldiers for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Baked Eggs in Roasted Tomato Cups?
It is a flavorful dish consisting of eggs baked inside hollowed-out large tomatoes that have been seasoned with basil oil and wrapped in savory prosciutto.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before you begin baking the tomatoes.
How many tomatoes do I need for this recipe?
You will need 6 large tomatoes for this specific recipe.
How do I prepare the tomatoes before baking?
Carefully cut off the tops and use a teaspoon to scoop out the seeds, then drain them upside-down on paper towels.
Why should I drain the tomatoes for 15 minutes?
Draining the tomatoes upside-down helps remove excess moisture so the final dish isn't watery.
How do I make the basil oil mixture?
Crush fresh basil with salt using a mortar and pestle, then gradually add extra virgin olive oil and black pepper.
What can I use if I don't have a mortar and pestle?
You can finely chop the basil and whisk it vigorously with the oil and seasonings, though a mortar and pestle is preferred for a paste consistency.
What type of meat is used to wrap the tomatoes?
The recipe calls for 6 slices of prosciutto, though pancetta is a suitable alternative.
How do I keep the prosciutto from falling off the tomatoes?
You should secure the prosciutto or pancetta slice in place using a toothpick.
How long do the tomatoes bake before adding the eggs?
The tomatoes should be baked for about 15 minutes until they are tender and the meat starts to crisp.
When do I add the eggs to the tomatoes?
Add the eggs after the initial 15-minute bake. Carefully crack one egg into each roasted tomato cup.
How long do the eggs take to bake?
The eggs take approximately 5 minutes to bake, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Should the egg yolks be runny?
The recipe recommends keeping the yolks runny for the best experience, especially when serving with toast.
What are toast soldiers?
Toast soldiers are thin strips of toasted bread used for dipping into the soft-baked egg yolks.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the prosciutto or pancetta to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor and Mediterranean profile.
How do I garnish the final dish?
Garnish the baked eggs with extra chopped fresh basil before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Absolutely, it is described as perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner.
What size eggs should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 6 large eggs.
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead?
No, this recipe requires large tomatoes to provide enough space to hold a full cracked egg.
Do I need to grease the baking tray?
Yes, you should arrange the tomatoes on a greased baking tray or in an ovenproof skillet.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, the core ingredients (tomatoes, eggs, prosciutto) are naturally low in carbohydrates.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
While not in the original ingredients, a sprinkle of parmesan or feta would fit the Mediterranean theme well.
How do I know the tomatoes are done?
The tomatoes should be tender and the prosciutto edges should look slightly crispy.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, prosciutto, and eggs.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is highly recommended for the basil oil paste, as dried basil will not provide the same texture or vibrant flavor.
Is it okay to use an ovenproof skillet?
Yes, an ovenproof skillet is a great alternative to a baking tray for this recipe.
What if my eggs are too big for the tomatoes?
If the tomatoes are smaller, you can pour off a little bit of the egg white before adding the egg to the tomato to prevent overflow.
Should I serve this dish hot?
Yes, it is best served immediately while the eggs are fresh and the tomatoes are warm.
What gives this dish its Mediterranean flavor?
The combination of fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, ripe tomatoes, and cured meat provides its Mediterranean profile.