Garlic Grilled Tomatoes With Olive Oil: a Mediterranean Diet Classic
Extra Virgin Olive Oil And Tomatoes are a simple Mediterranean Diet recipe that combines the health benefits of both ingredients in a simple, delicious dish for any occasion.
Purchase Evoo
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Amount
2
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Time
15 Min
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Course
Starters & Salads
Garlic grilled tomatoes with extra virgin olive oil are a simple Mediterranean-inspired dish that highlights the natural flavour of fresh tomatoes and high-quality olive oil. This quick recipe makes a delicious starter, side dish, or light appetiser.
When tomatoes are paired with extra virgin olive oil, the healthy fats in the oil help the body absorb beneficial antioxidants such as lycopene. The result is a nutritious and flavourful dish that fits perfectly within a Mediterranean-style diet.
So, grab your bottle of cold-pressed olive oil, fire up the grill and get cooking!
Key Points At A Glance
- Serves 2
- Ready in around 15 minutes
- Mediterranean-style grilled tomato dish
- Combines garlic, herbs and extra virgin olive oil
- Perfect as a starter, side dish or appetiser
Ingredients
Total
- Roma tomatoes, halved lengthwise
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- Fresh thyme
- Morocco Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Total
- Cut your tomatoes in half crosswise, season with salt and pepper and brush the cut side with Morocco Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
- In a small frying pan add crushed garlic, olive oil and fresh thyme, cook til golden, take off the heat and add in grated parmesan cheese.
- Place your tomato halves cut side down on and oiled grill until you get grill marks,it won't take long. Turn them over gently with tongs or a small spatula then spoon the garlic cheese mixture on top and continue cooking.
- Place the garlic grilled tomatoes on a platter, drizzle with Morocco Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil and eat at room temperature.
Discover the health properties of Morocco Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil
From The Larder
Health Benefits of Tomatoes and Extra Virgin Olive Oil in the Mediterranean Diet
Brought together in salads for as long as they’ve been produced, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and tomatoes are a fantastic pairing and are at the heart of any Mediterranean Diet.
Just like their Extra Virgin Olive Oil partner, tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins – both contain vitamin K, which is good for your bones and a single tomato can provide around 40% of the daily recommended minimum of vitamin C.
Make sure you know what type of olive oil you are buying as not all olive oils are made the same! Not only does Morocco Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil help food to cook it also adds a premium, tasty addition to the dish.
High-quality extra virgin olive oil not only enhances flavour but also helps release and absorb important antioxidants from tomatoes. If you want to learn more about cooking with olive oil, see our guide on how to use extra virgin olive oil.
The Health Benefits of Tomatoes
- Rich in vitamins: Tomatoes provide vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K and potassium, supporting immunity, vision and bone health.
- Supports heart health: Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Improves vision: Nutrients such as lutein and beta-carotene help protect the eyes from age-related damage.
- Aids digestion: Tomatoes provide fibre and hydration that can support healthy digestion.
- Helps manage diabetes: Cooked tomatoes may help reduce oxidative stress associated with type 2 diabetes.
- Protects skin: Lycopene may help protect the skin from sun damage and support collagen production.
- May reduce cancer risk: Studies link lycopene with lower rates of certain cancers.
More Ways To Include Tomatoes In Your Mediterranean Diet
- Tomatoes can be added to your diet in many forms: fresh, dried, or as sauces, salsa, or paste.
- These options make it easy to enjoy tomatoes year-round.
- Add fresh tomatoes to omelettes and salads.
- Serve sliced tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinegar and topped with fresh basil, sea salt, and cracked black pepper.
- Use sun-dried tomato pesto to dress fresh greens or steamed vegetables or drizzle it over broiled fish.
- Toss spaghetti squash or beans with tomato sauce.
- Use tomato sauce as a topping for sautéed green beans or potatoes.
- Add salsa to scrambled eggs or taco salad.
- Spoon salsa over cooked fish, black beans, or brown rice.
- Use tomato paste in vegetable chili.
Mix tomato paste into hummus along with roasted garlic and harissa
FAQs About Garlic Grilled Tomatoes
Are grilled tomatoes part of the Mediterranean diet?
Yes. Tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil are staple ingredients in Mediterranean cooking and are often used together in salads, grilled dishes and sauces.
Why pair tomatoes with extra virgin olive oil?
The healthy fats in extra virgin olive oil help the body absorb antioxidants such as lycopene found in tomatoes.
Can grilled tomatoes be served cold?
Yes. Garlic grilled tomatoes can be served warm or at room temperature, making them a versatile starter or side dish.
What type of tomatoes work best for grilling?
Roma or plum tomatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well when cooked.
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