According to Oxford Dictionaries,a tomato is a fruit. True fruits which include blueberries, raspberries and oranges are developed from the ovary in the base of the flower, and contain the seeds of the plant (though cultivated forms may be seedless).
Sliced red tomatoes sprinkled with shredded Parmesan cheese and seasonings are ready for the oven. This savory side dish cooks in a few minutes.
Perfect for any occasion. Pairs well with meat loaf, fried or baked chicken and salads.
Although any variety of tomatoes will work in this recipe, I prefer Roma. They’re firm, meaty… and not tart. Parmesan cheese (shredded or shaved) and dried oregano provide mouth watering flavor.
What is Parmesan cheese?
DISCLOSURE: Not sponsored. Delighted to share a photo of my preferred brand of real Parmesan cheese.
According to cheese.com, the Parmigiano Reggiano or Parmesan cheese as it is called in English, is on of the top cheeses favored by cheese connoisseurs.
For a cheese to be “legally” labeled and sold as Parmesan, PDO requires it to be produced from cows grazing on fresh grass and hay.
Imitation Parmigiano Reggiano is called Parmesan or Italian hard cheese by producers to avoid legal issues.
Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is named after the provinces in which it is made: Provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna and Mantua.
True Parmesan cheese has a hard, gritty texture and a fruity-nutty taste. Imitation or inferior Parmesan cheeses tastes bitter.
Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is often grated over pastas, sprinkled in soups and risottos.
Allergic to Parmesan cheese? Omit and enjoy the wonderful roasted taste of tomatoes.
Reading a recipe is an important life skill. It starts with knowing how to read a recipe’s ingredients, follow the instructions, prep ingredients, and knowing what equipment to use.
The following tips and strategies will help beginners or experienced cooks create a delicious dish as intended in the recipe.
Start with clean hands and organized kitchen. Wash hands thoroughly. Make sure kitchen and countertops are clean before making a recipe.
Create a relaxing environment. Play favorite music while in the kitchen. I love listening to classical or gospel music.
Read the recipe. Don’t just quickly skim it. Thoroughly read from start to finish. Visualize doing each step which will help you avoid missing a step.
If you see ingredient that you and your family don’t use for whatever reason, use a substitutions or omit the ingredient.
My recipes are packed with helpful tips like shortcuts and serving sizes which save time and help with meal planning.
Pay attention to the order in which ingredients are prepped. For example, 1 cup of chopped pecans is not the same as pecans, chopped (measure whole pecans and then chop).
Know the assumptions. For example, when my recipe calls for “sugar,” use granulated sugar. If brown sugar is an ingredient, it will be written as such in the recipe.
Figure out the timing. Check the listed “prep time” and “total time” to be sure you have enough time to complete the recipe.
Look for hints, such as the words “meanwhile” or “at the same time,” which indicate two or more steps can happen simultaneously.
For example, my prep time doesn’t include bringing cold butter up to room temperature. Be sure to include in your timetable.
Watch Recipe Videos. If you’re a visual learner (like me), watch recipe videos. Perfect for when you’re learning a new skill or just want to see how a recipe is made.
Mise en place is a super time saver. This French cooking term translates as “putting in place.” It means prepping/measuring ingredients and chopping food before you start cooking. It’s the perfect way to get organized and avoid missing an ingredient or missing a step in the instructions.
Organize your tools and kitchen equipment. Mise en place isn’t just for ingredients. Before starting, make sure you have parchment paper, aluminum foil, measuring cups, measuring spoons, the right pans, mixing bowls, and other equipment.
Make notes in your recipe. Note any special prep instructions and highlight cooking times. Make note of ingredients omitted, favorite substitutions and creative twists. The notes will be very helpful the next time you make this recipe.
Roasted Parmesan Tomatoes are made with fresh red tomatoes, well seasoned with simple ingredients. Serve as an appetizer or side dish. Recipe and photography by Beverly Davis for CornbreadMillionaire.com.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time15 minutesmins
Total Time30 minutesmins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4servings
Ingredients
4tomatoes
olive oil for drizzling
salt and ground black pepper to taste
dried oregano to taste
1/2cupParmesan cheese, shaved or shredded
fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Slice tomatoes into thirds (or desired thickness) or into wedges. Place on an un-greased baking sheet. For easy clean-up, line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Lightly drizzle tomatoes with olive oil. Season with salt, ground black pepper and dried oregano. Top with shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese (if using).
Bake 5 to 10 minutes or until cheese has melted.
Garnish with fresh basil (optional).
