Learn how to make classic Provence Style Tomatoes with juicy tomatoes, garlic, parsley, Herbs de Provence and crispy golden breadcrumbs. This easy French side dish is full of flavour and perfect with grilled tofu, tempeh or vegan meat-substitutes. Get the recipe below.
If you're looking for an easy French side dish that's bursting with flavour, these Provence Style Tomatoes are a recipe you'll want to make again and again. Known in France as Tomates à la Provençale, this simple dish transforms ripe tomatoes into something truly special with fragrant garlic, fresh parsley, Herbs de Provence and crisp golden breadcrumbs.
Originating in the sunny Provence region of southern France, this recipe celebrates fresh seasonal ingredients. The tomatoes are first gently cooked until tender before being topped with a fragrant herb and breadcrumb mixture and baked until beautifully golden. The result is a delicious contrast of juicy, sweet tomatoes and crunchy, savoury topping.
One of my favourite things about summer is harvesting tomatoes from my own garden. They always seem to ripen all at once, leaving me with a wonderfully colourful glut that needs using up before they become overripe. This Provence Style Tomatoes recipe is one of my favourite ways to make the most of that seasonal abundance, allowing the tomatoes' natural sweetness to really shine. If you're also looking for inspiration when your tomato plants are overflowing, I've shared even more delicious tomato recipes at the end of this post.
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Ingredients
You'll need the following ingredients for this recipe so get your shopping list at the ready:
- Tomatoes – Choose ripe but firm tomatoes that will soften during cooking without falling apart. Vine tomatoes are particularly good because they have plenty of flavour.
- Salt
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves
- Parsley
- Herbs de Provence – This classic French herb blend typically contains thyme, rosemary, oregano and marjoram, with some blends also even including lavender flowers! It gives the tomatoes their distinctive southern French flavour. You can usually find Herbs de Provence in the dried herb aisle of most supermarkets, larger grocery stores and delicatessens, as well as online. If you can't find it, you can make your own by combining dried thyme, rosemary, oregano and marjoram.
- Breadcrumbs - You can use store bought or homemade.
- Ground black pepper
Step-by-step instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large frying pan and arrange the tomatoes cut-side down in the pan and cook gently until they have softened but still hold their shape.
- Step 2: Combine the finely chopped garlic, parsley, Herbs de Provence, breadcrumbs and freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 3: Carefully turn each tomato over. Divide the breadcrumb mixture evenly between the tomato halves then drizzle the remaining olive oil.
- Step 4: Transfer the tomatoes to a baking tray and bake until the breadcrumb topping is crisp and golden.
Hint: Choose ripe but firm tomatoes. Very soft tomatoes can collapse during cooking, while underripe tomatoes won't develop the same natural sweetness. Cooking them gently before baking helps concentrate their flavour without turning them mushy.
Substitutions
- Fresh herbs: replace fresh parsley with fresh basil for a slightly sweeter flavour.
- Breadcrumbs: use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy topping.
- Gluten-free: gluten-free breadcrumbs work well if required.
- Dried herbs: swap Herbs de Provence for Italian mixed herbs if that's what you have available.
- Oil: Extra virgin olive oil can be swapped for regular olive oil. Vegetable oil could also be used in a pinch.
Variations
- Add vegan parmesan: sprinkle my Vegan Parmesan over the breadcrumb topping before baking for an extra savoury finish.
- Mediterranean style: scatter chopped black olives or capers over the tomatoes before baking.
- Spicy version: add a pinch of chilli flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for gentle heat.
Equipment
There's no fancy equipment required here, just:
- Large frying pan
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Baking tray
Storage
Store any leftover Provence Style Tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a preheated oven at 180C / 350F / gas mark 4 for around 10–15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the breadcrumb topping will lose its crispness.
I wouldn't recommend freezing this dish.
Top tip
Don't rush the stovetop cooking stage. Slowly cooking the tomatoes first removes excess moisture and intensifies their natural sweetness.
Medium-sized, firm, ripe tomatoes such as vine or Roma tomatoes work particularly well.
Fresh parsley is recommended for the brightest flavour, but dried parsley can be substituted if needed.
They're best served warm, but leftovers are also delicious at room temperature as part of a buffet or picnic.
Provence Style Tomatoes (Tomates à la Provençale)
Equipment
- large frying pan
- Sharp knife
- chopping board
- Mixing bowl
- spoon
- Baking tray
Ingredients
- 8 large tomatoes cut in half
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
- ½ bunch parsley stems removed and finely chopped
- 2 teaspoon Herbs de Provence
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs store-bought or homemade,
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and dry the tomatoes thoroughly, then cut them in half. Sprinkle the cut surfaces evenly with the salt.
- Heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) of olive oil in a large frying pan over low to medium heat. Arrange the tomatoes cut-side down and cook gently for 30 minutes, until tender but still holding their shape. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180C / 350F / gas mark 4.
- Mix together the chopped garlic, parsley, Herbs de Provence, breadcrumbs and black pepper in a bowl.
- Carefully turn the tomatoes over and spoon the breadcrumb mixture evenly onto each one. Finish by drizzling with the remaining 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil.
- Transfer the tomatoes to a baking tray and bake for 30 minutes, until the breadcrumb topping is crisp and golden and any remaining cooking juices have evaporated.
Nutrition
Serving suggestions
These Provence Style Tomatoes are wonderfully versatile and complement a wide variety of dishes. Serve them alongside grilled tofu, tempeh or vegan meat-substitutes. They're equally delicious with vegetable tarts, quiches.
For a lighter meal, enjoy them with crusty French bread and a crisp green salad, or include them as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter alongside olives, roasted peppers and vegan cheeses. They also make an excellent accompaniment to summer barbecues.
More tomato recipes
Got a glut of tomatoes? Try making one of these delicious dishes.
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