Baked Tomatoes with Pesto

8 servings

30 minutes

Baked tomatoes with pesto are an exquisite Italian dish that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Its recipe originates from the tradition of combining fresh vegetables with aromatic pesto sauce, created in Genoa in the 19th century. In this dish, the sweetness of baked tomatoes harmonizes with the rich flavor of basil pesto, adding a light nutty note from pine nuts. Breadcrumbs provide a pleasant crunchy texture, creating a perfect balance of softness and crunch. Baked tomatoes with pesto can be served as an appetizer or as a light side dish for fish or meat. Their rich flavor and appealing appearance make this dish an excellent choice for summer dinners or festive gatherings, evoking the atmosphere of warm Italian evenings.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 231.2
• Proteins: 5g
• Fats: 17.2g
• Carbohydrates: 15.2g

Ingredients

• Basil leaves: 3 glass
• Garlic: 2 clove
• Pine nuts: 0.3 glass
• Dry yeast: 30 g
• Olive oil: 0.5 glass
• Tomatoes: 4 pc
• Breadcrumbs: 5.5 tbsp

Cooking steps

1. Place basil and garlic in a food processor and chop finely.

   Required ingredients:

   • Basil leaves: 3 glasss
   • Garlic: 2 cloves

2. Add pine nuts and nutritional yeast, and grind for 1 minute until a paste consistency is achieved.

   Required ingredients:

   • Pine nuts: 0.3 glass
   • Dry yeast: 30 g

3. Add olive oil.

   Required ingredients:

   • Olive oil: 0.5 glass

4. Continue mixing until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Preheat the oven. Place the tomatoes on the baking sheet cut side up.

   Required ingredients:

   • Tomatoes: 4 pieces

6. Spread 2 tsp of pesto on each half and sprinkle with 2 tsp of panko breadcrumbs.

   Required ingredients:

   • Breadcrumbs: 5.5 tablespoons

7. Bake for 3-5 minutes until a golden crust forms on the bread and the pesto bubbles.

8. Serve as an appetizer.