Description
Savory Barefoot Contessa roasted cherry tomatoes elevate simple ingredients with Ina Garten’s signature elegance. Mediterranean flavors blend seamlessly, inviting diners to savor fresh, caramelized tomato goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pints (2.27 kg) cherry tomatoes
- 3–4 tbsps good olive oil
- 20 fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Sea salt or fleur de sel (for finishing)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Calibrate oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F, ensuring precise heat distribution for optimal roasting conditions.
- Tomato Arrangement: Spread cherry tomatoes on a clean baking sheet, generously coating with extra virgin olive oil to enhance natural flavors and promote even caramelization.
- Seasoning Application: Evenly distribute kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper across tomatoes, creating a balanced flavor profile that complements their inherent sweetness.
- Roasting Process: Position baking sheet in preheated oven, allowing tomatoes to transform for 15-20 minutes until they develop a soft, blistered exterior and release rich, aromatic juices.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from oven and transfer to a serving dish, garnishing with freshly torn basil leaves and a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt or fleur de sel to elevate the dish’s complexity.
- Serving Recommendation: Present warm or at room temperature as a versatile accompaniment that showcases the intense, concentrated tomato essence.
Notes
- Select Perfect Tomatoes: Choose ripe, firm cherry tomatoes with vibrant color and smooth skin for the most intense roasted flavor.
- Oil Matters: Use extra virgin olive oil generously to help tomatoes caramelize and prevent sticking while adding rich, robust taste.
- Spacing Technique: Spread tomatoes in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure even roasting and beautiful caramelization around each tomato.
- Temperature Precision: Maintain consistent oven heat at 200°C to achieve perfectly blistered exterior while preserving the tomatoes’ delicate interior juiciness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg