Roasted Garlic Infused Tomatoes
Elevate your tapas experience with these Roasted Garlic Infused Tomatoes. Perfectly ripe plum tomatoes are roasted to perfection with aromatic garlic and fresh thyme, resulting in a delectable side dish that bursts with flavor. This dish transforms simple ingredients into a culinary delight, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family. Serve warm as part of your tapas bar or as a savory appetizer to whet your guests' appetites.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
plum tomatoes
8 (ripe, cut in half)
fresh thyme
4 sprigs (whole)
garlic cloves
16 (in skin)
olive oil
1/4 cup (extra virgin)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Prepare a large baking pan by placing the halved plum tomatoes cut side up in a single, even layer.
3
Tuck the fresh thyme sprigs and whole garlic cloves in between the tomatoes.
4
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the tomatoes, ensuring each piece gets a good coating.
5
Roast in the oven for 45 minutes until the tomatoes are tender and slightly charred.
6
Remove the baking pan from the oven and discard the thyme sprigs.
7
Season the roasted tomatoes generously with salt and pepper to taste.
8
Before serving, squeeze the soft roasted garlic from its skins over the warm tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
9
Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Roasted Garlic Infused Tomatoes?
They are a savory Mediterranean-style side dish or tapas appetizer featuring plum tomatoes roasted with garlic and thyme.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, the recipe is naturally vegan as it uses olive oil and plant-based ingredients.
What variety of tomatoes works best for this recipe?
Plum tomatoes are recommended for this recipe because they hold their shape well during roasting.
How many plum tomatoes do I need?
You will need 8 ripe plum tomatoes, cut in half.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe calls for 16 whole garlic cloves, roasted in their skins.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for the best roasting results.
How long do the tomatoes need to roast?
Roast the tomatoes and garlic for approximately 45 minutes.
What type of oil is used in this dish?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Do I need to peel the garlic before roasting?
No, leave the garlic in its skin and tuck the cloves between the tomatoes; you will squeeze the soft garlic out after roasting.
What herbs are included in the recipe?
Fresh thyme sprigs are used during the roasting process, and fresh thyme leaves are used for the final garnish.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
Cut the plum tomatoes in half and place them cut-side up in a single layer in a baking pan.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
When should I season the tomatoes with salt and pepper?
Season the tomatoes generously after they have been removed from the oven.
Should I leave the thyme sprigs in the dish when serving?
No, you should discard the roasted thyme sprigs before serving.
How is the garlic served?
Before serving, squeeze the soft, roasted garlic out of its skins directly over the warm tomatoes.
Is this dish considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, Mediterranean-style side dish.
Can I use this for a tapas bar?
Absolutely, it is specifically designed to elevate a tapas experience or serve as a savory appetizer.
What should the final texture of the tomatoes be?
The tomatoes should be tender and slightly charred after 45 minutes of roasting.
How do I ensure the tomatoes are well-coated?
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the tomatoes, ensuring each piece is well-coated before roasting.
What is the garnish for this dish?
Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a beautiful presentation before serving.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 6 total ingredients: plum tomatoes, fresh thyme, garlic cloves, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
While fresh thyme provides the best aromatic profile, you could use dried, though fresh is preferred for roasting and garnishing.
How do I arrange the ingredients in the baking pan?
Place tomatoes cut-side up and tuck the garlic cloves and thyme sprigs in between the tomato halves.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
The specific calorie count is not provided, but it consists primarily of vegetables and olive oil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.
Should the tomatoes be served hot or cold?
They are best served warm, immediately after the garlic has been squeezed over them.
Does the garlic taste bitter when roasted in the skin?
No, roasting garlic in its skin makes it soft, sweet, and mellow.
Can I add other Mediterranean spices?
While the recipe focuses on thyme and garlic, you could experiment with oregano or rosemary for variations.
Do I need to cover the baking pan?
No, roast the tomatoes uncovered to allow them to char slightly and become tender.
Can I scale this recipe for more people?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients as long as you have enough baking pan space to keep the tomatoes in a single layer.