Mediterranean-Style Grilled or Roasted Tomatoes

Ingredients

• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground)
• Sea Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Fresh basil (1 tablespoon, finely chopped)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Extra-virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Tomatoes (4 medium-sized, ripe but firm)

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill or oven to medium-high heat (around 375°F if roasting).
2. Wash and dry the tomatoes. Slice them in half horizontally and gently remove the seeds with a teaspoon.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, finely chopped fresh basil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This will be your flavorful Mediterranean-style brush-on mixture.
4. Liberally brush the cut side of each tomato half with the olive oil mixture, making sure each one is well coated.
5. Place the tomatoes cut side down on the preheated grill or, if roasting, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
6. Grill or roast the tomatoes for about 10 minutes, or until they are slightly charred and softened. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
7. Remove the tomatoes from the grill or oven using a spatula and let them cool for a few minutes.
8. Serve these Mediterranean-Style Grilled or Roasted Tomatoes as a vibrant side dish, or use them as a rich, juicy topping for salads, pasta dishes, or rustic sandwiches. Enjoy!