Spanish Tomatoes
A hearty Spanish-inspired tomato dish featuring bread, cheese, and fresh vegetables, perfect for casual gatherings or a comforting family meal with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Break the salt rising bread and place it in a 9 x 10-inch baking dish.
- Cut the small green pepper and small onion into 1-inch slices.
- Add sugar, green pepper, and onion to the tomatoes.
- Pour the tomato mixture over the bread in the baking dish.
- Shake Parmesan cheese on top of the tomatoes.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour, then stir the mixture.
- Bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Place 2 or 3 slices of Mozzarella cheese on top and let it melt.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the tomato mixture. If you don't have salt rising bread, use a crusty sourdough or ciabatta as an alternative. Adjust the sugar based on the acidity of your tomatoes; sweeter tomatoes may require less sugar. This dish can be a great way to use up any overripe tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Spanish Tomatoes dish warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or crusty bread for soaking up the juices. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish. This dish can be a great addition to a potluck or family gathering, complementing other vegetarian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the oven method helps retain the texture of the bread.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Tomatoes contains roughly 685 calories, with 17g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (243% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value), and protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 22g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes for convenience. Choose a good quality brand and adjust the sugar accordingly, as canned tomatoes may vary in sweetness. Drain excess liquid to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you need a substitute for Parmesan cheese, try using Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative. Both will add a similar umami flavor to the dish.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for added texture and flavor. Just chop them into similar sizes and layer them with the tomatoes for even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).