Best 13 ProvenÇal Tomato And Bean Gratin Nytimes Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to Provence with this delectable Provençal Tomato and Bean Gratin, a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the heart of the French countryside. This hearty and comforting dish is a perfect blend of fresh, seasonal ingredients, celebrating the essence of Provençal cuisine. Featuring juicy tomatoes, plump beans, aromatic herbs, and a captivating blend of spices, this gratin is a true delight for the senses.

Accompanying this main course are three additional recipes that will complete your Provencal feast. Begin with a refreshing Tomato and Cucumber Salad, offering a crisp and vibrant contrast to the richness of the gratin. For a side dish that exudes rustic charm, try the French Green Beans with Garlic and Butter, a classic preparation that showcases the natural sweetness of green beans. And to end on a sweet note, indulge in the Apricot Clafoutis, a delectable dessert that combines ripe apricots with a creamy custard filling, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Here are our top 13 tried and tested recipes!

PROVENCAL TOMATOES



Provencal Tomatoes image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 ripe tomatoes (2 1/2 to 3-inches in diameter)
1 1/2 cups fresh white bread crumbs (5 slices, crusts removed)
1/4 cup minced scallions, white and green parts (2 scallions)
1/4 cup minced fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese
Good olive oil

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Cut the cores from the tomatoes, removing as little as possible. Cut them in half crosswise and, with your fingers, remove the seeds and juice. Place the tomato halves in a baking dish.
  • In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs, scallions, basil, parsley, garlic, thyme, and 1 teaspoon salt. Sprinkle the tomato halves generously with salt and pepper. With your hands, fill the cavities and cover the tops of the tomatoes with the bread crumb mixture. Bake the tomatoes for 15 minutes, or until they're tender. Sprinkle with the cheese, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 30 seconds more. Serve hot or at room temperature.

PROVENçAL TOMATO AND SQUASH GRATIN



Provençal Tomato and Squash Gratin image

Some of the tomatoes in this gratin are cooked down to a savory sauce, while the rest are sliced and used to decorate the top.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     side dish

Time 1h45m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 pounds tomatoes
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 medium or 1 small onion
1/2 pound summer squash (1 good-size zucchini, for example), cut in 1/2-inch dice
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, or 1 teaspoon crumbled dried thyme
1 cup cooked rice, farro or barley
3 eggs
2 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (1/2 cup)
1 to 2 tablespoons slivered or chopped fresh basil leaves

Steps:

  • Peel and seed half the tomatoes, and chop fine. Slice the rest and set aside. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Oil a 2-quart gratin or baking dish.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large, heavy nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until it is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, stir together for about 30 seconds, until it begins to smell fragrant, and stir in the squash. Cook, stirring often, until the squash is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes and the thyme, season with salt and pepper, raise the heat slightly and cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes have cooked down and smell fragrant, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the rice or other grains and remove from the heat.
  • Beat the eggs in a large bowl. Stir in the cooked vegetables, salt and pepper to taste, and the cheese and combine well. Scrape into the gratin dish.
  • Slice the remaining tomatoes and cover the top of the gratin in one layer. Drizzle on the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Bake 45 minutes, or until the top is browned and the gratin is sizzling. Remove from the heat and allow to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle the basil over the top. Serve hot, warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 192, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 16 grams, Fat 11 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 9 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 608 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 0 grams

PROVENCAL TOMATOES



Provencal Tomatoes image

Provided by Melissa d'Arabian : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

3 tablespoons olive oil
4 Roma tomatoes, halved lengthwise
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
1/4 cup plain bread crumbs

Steps:

  • In a medium saute pan heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Cut the tomatoes in half lengthwise and salt and pepper the cut surfaces. Place the tomatoes cut-surface up, in the pan, and cook the tomatoes for 3 minutes. Add the garlic, and flip the tomatoes so the cut surface is facing down, and cook another 2 minutes. Remove the tomatoes and set aside. Add the bread crumbs and herbes de Provence to the pan and saute, stirring, for 2 minutes, or until the crumbs are coated, adding a tablespoon more oil, if necessary.
  • Meanwhile, preheat the broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with foil and place the tomatoes cut-side up on the foil. Divide the crumbs among the tomato halves. Broil for 1 minute and serve.

PROVENCAL VEGETABLE GRATIN



Provencal Vegetable Gratin image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h25m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for dish
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
3 medium cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
5 to 6 medium plum tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
2 medium yellow summer squash, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 7 by 11-inch baking dish with olive oil.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium low heat. Add onions, garlic and 1 teaspoon of the salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, until completely softened and cooked but not browned. Stir in the basil and thyme. Spread on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  • Toss the sliced vegetables with the remaining olive oil and salt, and pepper. With the long side of the baking dish facing you, alternate the sliced vegetables in compact upright rows on top of the onion mixture.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake until the vegetables are softened, about 30 to 35 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with the Parmesan. Continue baking until cheese begins to brown, about 20 minutes or so. Serve hot or at room temperature.
  • Copyright (c) 2004 Television Food Network, G.P., All Rights Reserved.

PROVENCAL CHERRY TOMATO GRATIN



Provencal Cherry Tomato Gratin image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h5m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 pints cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 1/2 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup good olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 large garlic cloves, peeled
1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 cups coarse bread cubes from a country bread

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Place the tomatoes in a 9 x 13-inch ceramic dish. Add the 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and toss together. Spread the tomatoes evenly in the pan.
  • Place the garlic, parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade and process until the garlic is finely chopped. Add the bread cubes and process until the bread is in crumbs. Add the 1/4 cup of olive oil and pulse a few times to blend. Sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the tomatoes.
  • Bake the gratin for 40 to 45 minutes, until the crumbs are golden and the tomato juices are bubbling. Serve hot or warm.

TOMATOES PROVENCAL



Tomatoes Provencal image

Provided by Jacques Pepin

Categories     dinner, weekday, side dish

Time 14m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

6 tomatoes, very ripe, about 2 1/2 pounds
1 cup lightly packed parsley leaves
4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
4 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Remove and discard stems from the tomatoes and cut in half crosswise (parallel to stem end). Chop the parsley and garlic together to make persillade. There should be 1/2 cup.
  • Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
  • In each of two heavy skillets heat about 1 tablespoon of the oil until very hot. Put the tomatoes cut side down in the skillets and cook over high heat about 2 minutes, covered, until the tomatoes soften slightly. Arrange the tomatoes cut side up in a gratin dish suitable for serving. Sprinkle with the pepper and salt.
  • To the drippings in the pan add the remainder of the oil and the persillade. Mix 10 to 15 seconds to cook slightly; divide equally and spread on top of the tomatoes. Put the tomatoes in the warm oven for a few minutes before serving. If the tomatoes must wait 30 minutes or more before being served, saute as directed and keep warm in a 180-degree oven, but don't add the persillade until serving time.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 109, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 6 grams, Fat 9 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 206 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams

PROVENCAL TOMATO GRATIN



Provencal Tomato Gratin image

Provided by Molly O'Neill

Categories     appetizer, side dish

Time 45m

Yield Four servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
2 teaspoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
4 large tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup coarsely chopped imported black olives
3 ounces reduced-fat goat cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons dried bread crumbs
2 teaspoons olive oil

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine the garlic, thyme and parsley. Place half of the tomato slices in overlapping layers in a 10-inch quiche dish. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with half of the garlic-herb mixture. Top with half of the olives and half of the goat cheese.
  • Repeat the layers. Sprinkle the bread crumbs over the top. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 30 minutes. Divide among 4 plates and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 140, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 11 grams, Fat 9 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 6 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 466 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams

PROVENÇAL TOMATO AND BEAN GRATIN - NYTIMES



PROVENÇAL TOMATO AND BEAN GRATIN - NYTIMES image

Yield 4-6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 pound (2 heaped cups) chick peas, borlotti beans or pinto beans, washed, picked over and soaked for six hours or overnight
2 onions
2 whole cloves
4 to 6 large garlic cloves (to taste), 2 crushed, the rest minced
A bouquet garni made with a couple of sprigs each parsley and thyme, a bay leaf and a Parmesan rind
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 28-ounce cans chopped tomatoes, with juice
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/8 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch of cayenne
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Gruyère, or a combination of Gruyère and Parmesan (2 ounces)
1/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • 1. Cut one of the onions in half, and stick a clove into each half. Chop the other onion. Drain the soaked beans and combine with 2 quarts water in a large pot. Bring to a boil and skim off any foam, then add the halved onion, the crushed garlic cloves and the bouquet garni. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 1 hour. Add salt to taste, and continue to simmer for another 30 to 60 minutes, until the beans are tender but not mushy. Remove from the heat, remove and discard the onion and the bouquet garni, and drain over a bowl. Measure out 3 cups of the cooking liquid, taste and adjust salt. Set aside. 2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat in a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven, and add the chopped onion. Cook, stirring, until tender, about five minutes. Add the remaining garlic, and stir together until fragrant, 30 seconds to a minute. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, cayenne and salt to taste. Cook, stirring often, for 10 to 15 minutes, until the tomatoes have cooked down somewhat and smell very fragrant. Stir in the beans and 3 cups of their cooking broth (refrigerate the rest if you are making this ahead; you may need it for thinning out). Bring to a simmer, cover and cook over low heat for 30 minutes, until the mixture is thick and fragrant. Stir often so that it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot. Add pepper, taste and adjust salt and garlic. 3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Oil a 3-quart gratin or baking dish. Spoon the tomatoes and beans into the baking dish. Combine the breadcrumbs and cheese in a bowl, and toss with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle in an even layer over the beans. Bake 30 minutes, or until the top is browned and the gratin is bubbling. Serve hot or warm.

JULIA CHILD'S PROVENçAL POTATO GRATIN



Julia Child's Provençal Potato Gratin image

Potatoes aren't usually associated with Provençal cooking, but every French region must have its gratin: sliced potatoes baked into a delicious mass that is the perfect side dish for roasts. The binder can be milk, broth, cream or, as in this case, the natural juices of vegetables like tomatoes and onions. With less liquid, this gratin is more foolproof than most. Anchovies give the dish a South of France funk, but you can leave them and the cheese out to make a vegan gratin.

Provided by Julia Moskin

Categories     casseroles, side dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 to 3 onions, thinly sliced (2 heaping cups)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, more for drizzling
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes, seeded and cut into strips about 3/8-inch wide
1 2-ounce can anchovies packed in olive oil, drained (reserve anchovies and oil separately)
2 large cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
1 tablespoon fresh herbs, such as thyme, oregano or savory, or 1 teaspoon dried herbes de Provence
About 2 pounds thin-skinned, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold, sliced 1/8-inch thick (6 to 7 cups)
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Gruyère

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400 degrees and place a rack at the middle level. In a large saucepan, combine onions and 2 tablespoons olive oil and stir to coat over low heat. Sprinkle lightly with salt. At a gentle simmer, cook uncovered until onions are softened and lightly golden, 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often. Do not brown; lower the heat if necessary. When done, fold in tomatoes just until heated through. Set aside.
  • In a small food processor or a mortar, add the anchovies - anywhere from 6 to 12 fillets, depending on their size and your taste. Add garlic, herbs and a dozen grinds of pepper. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil (or use the oil from the anchovy can, if you like). Crush or pulse together into a chunky paste, thinning with oil as needed to make a loose, fluid mixture.
  • In a medium-size baking dish, spread a quarter of the onion-tomato mixture. On top, arrange half the potato slices, then half the anchovy mixture. Add half the remaining onion-tomato mixture. Build one more layer with remaining potato slices, anchovy mixture and onion-tomato mixture. Sprinkle cheese on top and drizzle with olive oil.
  • If the dish is very full, place on a baking sheet. Transfer to oven and bake, uncovered, until potatoes are tender and have absorbed all of the juices in the bottom of the dish, 40 to 50 minutes. Test by tasting a bit of potato; it should be soft all the way through, with no raw taste. If the top is browning too fast, cover very loosely with a sheet of foil. If the top is not brown enough when the potatoes are cooked, broil briefly until deliciously glazed.
  • Serve gratin hot or warm. Can be cooled and reheated later the same day, but do not refrigerate.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 229, UnsaturatedFat 2 grams, Carbohydrate 39 grams, Fat 4 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 11 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 814 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams

TIAN DE COURGETTE (PROVENCAL ZUCCHINI GRATIN)



Tian de Courgette (Provencal Zucchini Gratin) image

Provided by Florence Fabricant

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 pounds zucchini, chopped
Salt
3 tablespoons rice
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/2 cup whole milk or half and half
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Gru yere Cheese
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Place the zucchini in a bowl, sprinkle with about a teaspoon of salt and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, bring two cups of water to the boil in a sauce pan, add the rice and cook until rice is tender, about 17 minutes. Drain the rice.
  • Drain and rinse the zucchini. Spread it on paper towel and pat it to dry. Heat oil in a heavy skillet. Add onion and saute over a medium heat until the onion is translucent. Add zucchini and saute another two minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Mix eggs, cooked rice, garlic and milk together in a bowl. Stir in the onion and zucchini. Add cheese and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Oil a four-cup shallow baking dish. Spoon in the zucchini mixture. Place in oven and bake 30 to 40 minutes, until lightly browned on top.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 211, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 14 grams, Fat 15 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 7 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 550 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams, TransFat 0 grams

PROVENCAL SPINACH GRATIN



Provencal Spinach Gratin image

There are a few versions of spinach gratin in Provence (there it is called a tian). This one is all about spinach - no eggs or cheese, just spinach and lots of garlic, a bit of flour to absorb moisture and hold everything together, and bread crumbs to make the top nice and crisp.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, side dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 pounds bunch spinach, stemmed and washed in 2 changes of water, or 1 1/2 pounds baby spinach
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, minced
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 tablespoon all purpose flour
1/4 cup low-fat milk
1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
2 tablespoons fresh or dry bread crumbs (preferably-whole wheat)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Oil a 2-quart baking dish or gratin and rub with a cut side of one of the garlic cloves before you chop the garlic.
  • Steam the spinach above an inch of boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes, until it is wilted. You will probably have to do this in batches. I like to use a pasta pot with an insert for steaming spinach, as I can get a lot of it into the insert. Rinse briefly with cold water, squeeze gently (you don't have to squeeze dry) and chop.
  • In a large bowl, toss together the spinach, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper, flour, milk and parsley. Spoon into the gratin dish in an even layer. Sprinkle the bread crumbs over the top and drizzle on the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Place in the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until the top is browned and the mixture is sizzling. Serve as a starter or a side.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 204, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 19 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 11 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 888 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams

PROVENCAL TOMATO & BEAN GRATIN



PROVENCAL TOMATO & BEAN GRATIN image

Categories     Bean

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 pound (2 heaped cups) chick peas, borlotti beans or pinto beans, washed, picked over and soaked for six hours or overnight
2 onions
2 whole cloves
4 to 6 large garlic cloves (to taste), 2 crushed, the rest minced
A bouquet garni made with a couple of sprigs each parsley and thyme, a bay leaf and a Parmesan rind
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 28-ounce cans chopped tomatoes, with juice
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/8 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch of cayenne
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Gruyère, or a combination of Gruyère and Parmesan (2 ounces)
1/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • 1. Cut one of the onions in half, and stick a clove into each half. Chop the other onion. Drain the soaked beans and combine with 2 quarts water in a large pot. Bring to a boil and skim off any foam, then add the halved onion, the crushed garlic cloves and the bouquet garni. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 1 hour. Add salt to taste, and continue to simmer for another 30 to 60 minutes, until the beans are tender but not mushy. Remove from the heat, remove and discard the onion and the bouquet garni, and drain over a bowl. Measure out 3 cups of the cooking liquid, taste and adjust salt. Set aside. 2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat in a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven, and add the chopped onion. Cook, stirring, until tender, about five minutes. Add the remaining garlic, and stir together until fragrant, 30 seconds to a minute. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, cayenne and salt to taste. Cook, stirring often, for 10 to 15 minutes, until the tomatoes have cooked down somewhat and smell very fragrant. Stir in the beans and 3 cups of their cooking broth (refrigerate the rest if you are making this ahead; you may need it for thinning out). Bring to a simmer, cover and cook over low heat for 30 minutes, until the mixture is thick and fragrant. Stir often so that it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot. Add pepper, taste and adjust salt and garlic. 3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Oil a 3-quart gratin or baking dish. Spoon the tomatoes and beans into the baking dish. Combine the breadcrumbs and cheese in a bowl, and toss with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle in an even layer over the beans. Bake 30 minutes, or until the top is browned and the gratin is bubbling. Serve hot or warm. Yield: Serves eight to 12. Advance preparation: The beans can be cooked a day or two ahead through step 1. The dish benefits from being made one or two days ahead through step 2.

PROVENCAL TOMATO POTATO GRATIN



Provencal Tomato Potato Gratin image

Categories     Potato     Tomato     Side     Bake     Broil     Vegetarian     Quick & Easy     Casserole/Gratin     Basil     Summer     Vegan     Thyme     Gourmet     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

10 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 lb medium tomatoes (about 6), cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices
About 13/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 lb medium red potatoes, scrubbed well
1 garlic clove
1/2 cup plain fine dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
Special Equipment
a 3-qt shallow flameproof gratin or casserole dish (about 2 inches deep; not glass)

Steps:

  • Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 425°F.
  • Brush a shallow baking pan (1/2 to 1 inch deep) with 2 tablespoons oil. Arrange tomato slices in 1 layer in baking pan and sprinkle with a scant 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Roast tomatoes until just tender (not falling apart), about 20 minutes.
  • While tomatoes roast, cut potatoes crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices and toss with 5 tablespoons oil in a large bowl.
  • Remove tomatoes from oven and put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven. Arrange potato slices in 1 layer in 2 shallow baking pans (1/2 to 1 inch deep) and sprinkle each pan with a scant 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Roast potatoes, switching position of pans halfway through roasting, until tender, about 16 minutes total.
  • While potatoes roast, mince garlic and mash to a paste with a pinch of salt using a large heavy knife. Transfer paste to a bowl and stir in bread crumbs, basil, thyme, remaining 3 tablespoons oil, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  • Preheat broiler.
  • Arrange tomatoes and potatoes in 1 layer in gratin dish, alternating slices and overlapping them, and spoon any juices from tomatoes into dish. Sprinkle top with bread crumbs and broil 5 to 7 inches from heat, checking frequently after 1 minute (crumbs can brown quickly), until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips:

  • Select ripe, flavorful tomatoes: Use a variety of colors and shapes for a visually appealing dish. Heirloom tomatoes work particularly well.
  • Use fresh herbs: Herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary add a burst of flavor to the gratin. If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, use dried herbs instead.
  • Don't skimp on the cheese: Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses add a rich, nutty flavor to the gratin. Use a combination of both for the best results.
  • Use a good quality breadcrumb topping: Fresh breadcrumbs made from a crusty baguette are the best choice. You can also use panko breadcrumbs if you prefer.
  • Bake the gratin until it's golden brown: This will ensure that the top is crispy and the tomatoes are tender.

Conclusion:

Provençal Tomato and Bean Gratin is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It's perfect for a summer meal, as it showcases the best of the season's tomatoes. The gratin is also a great way to use up leftover beans. With its colorful appearance and flavorful ingredients, Provençal Tomato and Bean Gratin is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

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