Imagine transforming ordinary tomatoes into a mouthwatering culinary masterpiece that transports you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy with just a few simple steps. These grilled tomato slices are not just a side dish—they're a sensory experience that will elevate your meals from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to unlock a world of vibrant flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water and pat them dry with clean paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the tomatoes horizontally into approximately 1/2-inch thick rounds, ensuring even thickness for uniform grilling.
- Arrange the tomato slices on a clean cutting board or large plate.
- Drizzle olive oil evenly over both sides of each tomato slice, using a pastry brush or gently turning to coat completely.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over each tomato slice, ensuring balanced and even seasoning.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F), ensuring the cooking surface is clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the seasoned tomato slices directly on the hot grill grates or grill pan.
- Grill the tomatoes for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop light char marks and become slightly softened.
- Remove the grilled tomato slices from heat and transfer to a serving platter.
- Let the tomatoes rest for 1-2 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and temperature to slightly cool.
- Serve immediately as a side dish, garnish, or appetizer, optionally drizzling with additional olive oil or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best grilling results. Varieties like beefsteak or heirloom work wonderfully.
- Ensure your grill or grill pan is preheated to the right temperature to achieve those beautiful char marks without burning.
- Use a sharp knife to create even, uniform slices for consistent cooking.
- Don't skip patting the tomatoes dry—this helps prevent excess moisture and promotes better caramelization.
- Experiment with different herbs and seasonings to customize your grilled tomatoes.
- Serve immediately after grilling to enjoy the perfect balance of warm, juicy texture and smoky flavor.
- For extra richness, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parmesan or a drizzle of balsamic glaze after grilling.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
