Roasted Beefsteak Tomatoes with Molten Chèvre Fondue

Roasted Beefsteak Tomatoes with Molten Chèvre Fondue

Sun-ripened tomatoes, hollowed and filled with a molten, herbed goat cheese fondue. Crowned with a golden, garlicky anchovy-panko crust, these are a masterclass in texture and umami.

35mIntermediate3 servings

Equipment

Oven
Baking sheet
Skillet
Mixing bowl
Melon baller*
Chef's knife

* optional

Ingredients

3 servings

Tomato Vessels

  • 3 large beefsteak tomatoes, firm and ripe
  • 2 g kosher salt

Herbed Fondue Filling

  • 52 ml mascarpone, room temperature
  • 21 g soft goat cheese, room temperature
  • 1 g fresh thyme, finely minced

Umami Pangrattato

  • 12 g unsalted butter
  • 17 ml extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic, minced
  • 2 anchovy fillets, finely minced
  • 35 g panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 g cracked black pepper

Nutrition (per serving)

262
Calories
7g
Protein
25g
Carbs
18g
Fat
4g
Fiber
9g
Sugar
345mg
Sodium

Method

01

Preheat your oven to 260°C (500°F). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the center for even heat distribution.

02

Trim a paper-thin slice from the bottom of each tomato so they stand perfectly level. Slice off the top 1cm. Use a melon baller or spoon to core the tomato, removing the seeds and pulp while leaving a sturdy 2cm wall and base.

Look for: Hollowed tomato shell with uniform wall thickness.
03

Lightly season the interior of the hollowed tomatoes with 2g of salt. Place them upside down on paper towels for 10 minutes to drain excess moisture.

10m
04

In a small mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the room-temperature mascarpone, goat cheese, and minced thyme until the mixture is smooth and aerated.

05

In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter into the olive oil. Add the garlic and anchovies, stirring constantly for 45 seconds until the anchovies melt into the fat and the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Fold in the panko and sauté for 2 minutes until just starting to turn golden.

3mLook for: Breadcrumbs are a light straw color and fragrant.
06

Pat the insides of the tomatoes dry. Divide the cheese fondue mixture evenly among the three tomatoes. Press the umami breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the cheese surface to create a thick crust.

07

Arrange the tomatoes on a baking sheet. Roast at 260°C (500°F) for 10 minutes, or until the tomato skins begin to blister and the crust is a deep mahogany gold.

10mLook for: Slight blistering of the tomato skin and bubbling cheese edges.

Chef's Notes

  • The high heat (260°C) is essential—it roasts the tomato quickly before the structure has a chance to turn into mush.
  • Use Heirloom varieties like 'Brandywine' for a superior acid-to-sugar balance.
  • The anchovies provide the 'X-factor' umami; even those who dislike fish will find the flavor integrated and savory rather than 'fishy'.

Storage

Refrigerator: 24 hoursTexture will degrade significantly; best enjoyed immediately.

Reheating: Reheat in a 200°C (400°F) oven for 5 minutes to crisp the topping.

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