During the dreary days of winter one way to get the best taste of the summer is with this dish of Charred Tomatoes. Great in a salad, buddha bowl, or as a the star on a sandwich.
This is one of what I like to think of as foundational recipes. It’s a good basic idea to keep in mind for many reasons or occasions. Charred tomatoes makes for magic in stacked veggie sandwiches, can get easily tossed into pasta or a rice bowl, adds dynamic to a pizza- and my favorite- is excellent for a cocktail gathering. A piping how dish of herb scented charred tomatoes makes for fun leaning in and munching.
The colder months are best for this when produce is less than vibrant and it’s a long way to a warm August day and tomato sandwiches. You can use grape tomatoes as I have done here, but any variety will do. Campari tomatoes or romas can be sliced into quarters and treated accordingly. A sliced up lemon adds some zing and dynamic for free.
Tomatoes are rich in nutrients, especially lycopene, which is enhanced with roasting. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant known for reducing your risk of bone loss, cancer and sun damage.
Whip up a batch of homemade plant based ricotta, grill some gorgeous sourdough whole wheat bread and get to smashing that intense tomato flavor all up in there. Eat charred tomatoes because they are tasty. Enjoy them because they are good for you.
Ingredients
- 1 pint grape tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 tablespoon agave syrup
- 4 lemon slices cut into 6ths
- salt and pepper
- 1 recipe plant based ricotta
- 6 slices whole wheat sourdough toast
Instructions
Preheat the broiler
In a small roasting dish toss in the washed tomatoes, sprinkle with the rest of the ingredients and give a quick toss. Place into the oven and roast for about 15 minutes, or until the tomatoes and lemons are charred, but not to smithereens.
Meanwhile make a batch of plant based ricotta and toast or grill the sourdough bread.
Serve the tomatoes warm over the ricotta on toast, or reserve and serve at room temperature.
The charred tomatoes are also wonderful in a grain bowl, on pasta, or as a topping on pizza or sandwich.