1. Baked Tomatoes with
Mushrooms and Basil
Baked tomatoes with mushrooms and basil are a sweet, tangy and delicious side
dish to grilled meats, seafood or fish. It adds color, fragrance, and flavor to any meal. It can
also be served as a salad appetizer or topped over greens for a warm and cold salad treat.
Spoon it over crostini, toasted bread, or crackers for a quick and fancy hors d’oeuvres. Top
it over freshly cooked pasta and serve with some garlic bread for a heart-warming and
comforting meal. Baked tomatoes are also perfect for adding in omelets, sandwiches,
burgers, crepes, or frittatas. They can also be used as a dip for nachos, tortillas, or chips.
If you have an abundance of surplus of tomatoes, the best way to preserve them is
to bake them. You can store then in a jar with a tight lid and they can be kept in
the refrigerator for a week or longer. They also make lovely and thoughtful gifts for birthdays
or special occasions. This flavorful and aromatic dish brings out the natural sweetness of
the tomatoes. It concentrates all the delicious flavors of the tomatoes and gives it a meatier

2. texture that makes an unforgettable pasta dish. If you have tomatoes that are a bit bland,
baking them is a great way to bring out their sweetness. This is also great for tomatoes that
are already too ripe for using in other dishes. With this gourmet kitchen recipe, you don’t
have to throw those unwanted tomatoes away and can still enjoy them as a delicious
entrée, antipasto or side dish.
You can also top these baked tomatoes over vegetables for a more flavorful
vegetarian meal. You can use your favorite mushroom to make this recipe. Fresh
mushrooms are ideal, but you can also use the canned variety, although the canned ones
have diminished flavor.
Ingredients
 1 tablespoon + 2 tablespoons olive oil
 2 garlic clove (minced)
 1 teaspoon minced fresh basil
 1 tablespoon butter
 ½ lb. mushrooms (chopped)
 Sea salt
 Pepper (freshly ground)
 4 large tomatoes (cut in half)
 ½ cup fine bread crumbs

3. Preparation Instructions
1. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium high. Add the garlic and basil, sautéing
until the garlic is lightly golden. Add the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the
mushrooms. Cook and stir constantly for 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the stove.
Season with salt and pepper.
2. Season the tomato halves with pepper. In a mixing bowl, dress the bread crumbs with 2
tablespoons of oil. Spoon this mixture into the tomato halves. Bake tomatoes in a 425
degrees F oven for 20 minutes.
3. Pour the mushroom mixture over the tomato halves and serve.