Savory Heirloom Tomato and Thyme Gratin
Experience the rustic flavors of summer with this Savory Heirloom Tomato and Thyme Gratin. With layers of vibrant heirloom tomatoes complemented by sweet Vidalia onions and aromatic fresh thyme, this dish is a celebration of garden-fresh ingredients. The gratin is topped with a buttery, crispy breadcrumb and pecorino romano mixture that provides a delightful crunch, making it a perfect side dish for gatherings or a comforting addition to any meal. Enjoy it hot or warm straight from the oven; it's sure to impress family and friends alike.
N/A
Servings
210
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic clove
1 (cut in half)
extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
large Vidalia onion
1 (chopped)
grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon (freshly grated)
orange juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
honey
2 teaspoons (pure)
fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (chopped plus 1.5 teaspoons for topping)
mixed heirloom tomatoes
4 lbs (thickly sliced)
fresh breadcrumbs
2 cups (fresh)
pecorino romano cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Prepare a shallow 2- to 2.5-quart baking or gratin dish by vigorously rubbing the inside with the cut sides of a garlic clove. Discard the garlic after rubbing.
3
Brush the inside of the dish with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to ensure a beautiful non-stick surface.
4
In a large skillet, heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the chopped Vidalia onion and sauté for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and tender without browning.
5
Remove the skillet from the heat, then stir in the grated orange zest, orange juice, honey, and 1.5 teaspoons of chopped fresh thyme. Mix well.
6
Spread half of the onion mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish. Layer half of the thickly sliced heirloom tomatoes on top, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Repeat by adding the remaining onion mixture, then the rest of the heirloom tomato slices, overlapping them as needed, and finish with an additional sprinkling of salt and pepper.
8
In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh breadcrumbs, grated pecorino romano cheese, the remaining 0.5 tablespoons of olive oil, and the last 1.5 teaspoons of thyme. Toss until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and moistened.
9
Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the layered tomatoes.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-24 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the tomato juices are bubbling.
11
Serve hot or warm, and savor the delightful flavors.
Nutrition Information
10.3g
Fat
25g
Carbs
3.6g
Protein
4g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Heirloom Tomato and Thyme Gratin?
It is a rustic summer dish featuring layers of heirloom tomatoes, Vidalia onions, and fresh thyme, topped with a crispy breadcrumb and Pecorino Romano crust.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains 210 calories.
What are heirloom tomatoes?
Heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated varieties known for their diverse colors and superior flavor compared to standard tomatoes.
Can I use regular onions instead of Vidalia?
Yes, while Vidalia onions are preferred for their sweetness, regular yellow or white onions can be used as a substitute.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
How long does it take to bake?
The gratin takes approximately 20 to 24 minutes to bake until golden brown.
What is the purpose of rubbing the dish with garlic?
Rubbing the dish with a cut garlic clove seasons the gratin with a subtle aroma without adding chunks of garlic.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, but use about one-third the amount of fresh thyme as dried herbs are more potent.
What can I substitute for Pecorino Romano?
Parmesan or Grana Padano are excellent substitutes for Pecorino Romano cheese.
How do I make fresh breadcrumbs?
You can make fresh breadcrumbs by pulsing fresh bread in a food processor until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, substitute the honey with agave nectar and use a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for the topping.
Why are orange juice and zest used?
They provide a bright, citrusy acidity that balances the sweetness of the onions and the richness of the tomatoes.
How thick should I slice the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be thickly sliced to ensure they hold their shape during the baking process.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can prepare the components ahead of time, but it is best to assemble and bake just before serving for optimal texture.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this gratin?
Freezing is not recommended as the high water content in tomatoes will cause the dish to become soggy when thawed.
What are some serving suggestions?
It works perfectly as a side dish for roasted meats or as a light lunch served with a fresh green salad.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The dish contains 10.3 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of fiber are in a serving?
There are 4 grams of fiber per serving.
Is there any honey in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 teaspoons of pure honey to sweeten the onion mixture.
What size baking dish do I need?
You should use a shallow 2 to 2.5 quart baking or gratin dish.
Why do I sauté the onions first?
Sautéing ensures the onions are tender and translucent before they are layered with the tomatoes.
Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs?
Fresh breadcrumbs provide the best texture, but Panko or traditional dry breadcrumbs can be used if necessary.
What if I do not have orange juice?
A splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar can be used to provide the necessary acidity.
Is this dish gluten-free?
No, but it can be made gluten-free by substituting the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free version.
How do I know when the gratin is done?
The gratin is ready when the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the tomato juices are bubbling.
Can I add other herbs?
Yes, rosemary or basil would also pair well with these Mediterranean flavors.
What type of olive oil is best?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its superior flavor and quality.
Is the orange zest necessary?
While optional, the orange zest adds a distinct aromatic quality that greatly enhances the dish.