Tomates Provencales

This dish is the ultimate reminder of the food I grew up eating in France. When baked, tomatoes become incredibly sweet. These are filled with breadcrumbs and herbs which complement the juicy tomato flesh. I like to serve these alongside roast beef, braised lamb or lemon sauteed sole. This dish is best enjoyed when tomatoes are at their peak, and with homemade coarse breadcrumbs... but realistically, you can't always make that happen. They are also delicious with store-bought breadcrumbs, and, in the middle of the winter, it's a nice reminder that spring is just around the corner.

This photo was taken before these tomatoes went in the oven... and once cooked they disappeared before I had time to shoot them!
Tomates Provencales
Serves 2-4

3 large plump tomatoes, halved
3 garlic cloves, crushed and finely diced
1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons of chopped parsley
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Extra virgin olive oil

Preheat your oven to 375F. Lay out the tomatoes seed side up, in a large oven-proof baking dish. Scoop out some of the seeds to make more room for the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, garlic and parsley. Using a small spoon, fill the tomatoes with the breadcrumbs mixture. Drizzle with some olive oil and bake for 30 minutes or until the tomatoes are softened and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Serve immediately. Enjoy!