Fried tomatoes, gently cooked in extra virgin olive oil and flavored with garlic, chili pepper bits, and a sprinkle of fresh mint. This vegan and gluten free tomato recipe is great as mezze or side with your favorite bread to sop up the delicious juices!

Today’s recipe is from The Arabesque Table: Contemporary Recipes from the Arab World by Reem Kassis.

Living in Atlanta, I know and love the iconic fried green tomatoes of the South–firm, slightly tangy, and covered in a crispy bread crumb topping. They are a delicious time-honored southern treat, and definitely worth a try!

But today, I’m sharing about a different fried tomato recipe that is closer to home for me: fried red tomatoes! Here, tomato halves gently cooked in olive oil and flavored with loads of garlic, chili pepper bits, and a sprinkle of fresh mint.

This recipe is from Reem Kassis’ latest book The Arabesque Table. I’ve had a copy of this book, featuring contemporary recipes from the Arab world, since early April and I have not been able to put it down! Not only is it a collection of delicious and approachable recipes anyone can make, but it encompasses the cuisine of the entire Arabic diaspora, from the first recorded recipe to the present. And through meticulous research and authentic storytelling, Reem has connected the dots across continents, cultures, and generations.

Fried tomatoes in frying pan

Fried red tomatoes

This is one of the simplest tomato recipes you’ll come across, but it boasts some bold flavors! There is no dredging or breading at all, making this recipe gluten free and vegan…and easy (less dishes to clean is always a plus).

To make this recipe, large fleshy red tomatoes are sliced in half through the equator, then gently pan fried in good extra virgin olive oi until tender.

And as the tomatoes cook, they will soften, oozing out some delicious juices that are infused with flavor from three simple ingredients: Garlic (lots of it), hot chilies (Reem recommends green chilies, but I had red so that is what I used).

Ingredients for fried tomatoes

What kind of tomatoes are best for frying?

Most people use large green tomatoes for frying. In this recipe, readily available large red tomatoes will work better. Large heirloom tomatoes of different colors are also great for frying using this same recipe, they will give you the most impressive presentation!

How to select tomatoes?

Whatever large tomatoes you decide to use, look for:

  • Smooth skin without blemishes
  • Tomatoes that are heavier for their size, this means they are on the juicy side
  • Firm enough but have some give when squeezed gently. But don’t worry, if you have some tomatoes that are a little more on the ripe side they will still work in this particular recipe
Tomatoes fried in frying pan

To Serve

For the perfect appetizer, serve these fried tomatoes with your favorite bread (I used pita). If you like, make these tomatoes the center of a Middle Eastern mezze table with other small plates like hummus, batata harra (spicy potatoes), kibbeh, or even za’atar manakish.

You can also serve them as a vegetarian side dish next to your favorite fish, grilled chicken, or lamb chops.

To store leftover fried tomatoes

I’ve made this recipe a few times now, and we never have leftovers. But if you do, you can lightly mash the cooked tomatoes with a fork or blitz in the blender and use in recipes that call for tomato sauce. Frozen leftovers will last for 2 months.

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4.88 from 78 votes

Garlic Fried Tomatoes

Suzy Karadsheh of The Mediterranean Dish. In the kitchenSuzy Karadsheh
Fried tomatoes topped with mint and minced garlic
Simple olive oil fried tomatoes with fresh garlic and mint. Serve these warm or at room temperature with your favorite bread (or pita) to mop up the delicious juices.
Prep – 5 minutes
Cook – 20 minutes
Cuisine:
Mediterranean, Middle Easter
Serves – 4 people
Course:
Appetizer, Side

Ingredients
  

  • 4 to 6 large vine ripe tomatoes, about 2 1/2 lb
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 10 garlic cloves, finely chopped (not crushed). See note*
  • 2 to 3 fresh green chilies, finely chopped (I used red chilies as that is what I had on hand)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Small bunch of fresh mint leaves, finely chopped, or 2 teaspoons dried mint

Instructions
 

  • Using a sharp knife, slice each tomato horizontally in half (through the equator).
  • Arrange the tomato halves cut-side down in a frying pan large enough to fit the pieces snugly. Pour the olive oil over the tomatoes and set the pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
  • Flip the tomatoes over and scatter half the garlic and chilies on the tomatoes and the other half in the oil (in the pan). Sprinkle with the salt, cover the pan, reduce the heat, and cook until the tomatoes have started to soften but still retain their shape, about 15 minutes. Check on the tomatoes several times while cooking and, tilting the pan, spoon some of the oil mixture over the tomatoes, cover the pan and cook for another minute or two.
  • When almost done, sprinkle the mint over the tomatoes, cover the, and cook for another minute or two.
  • Remove from the heat and serve immediately with fresh bread to mop up the delicious juices.

Notes

  • Serve these fried tomatoes with a loaf of your favorite bread or homemade pita
  • If 10 garlic cloves seems too much for your taste, you can start with half the amount. 
  • Leftovers: leftovers can be lightly mashed with a fork or blitzed in a blender and used as a tomato sauce base for any recipe calling for it. Frozen leftovers will keep for 2 months. 
  • Visit Our Shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oils and spices. 
  • This recipe is from The Arabesque Table by Reem Kassis with permission from the author and publisher. 

Nutrition

Calories: 152.7kcalCarbohydrates: 7.3gProtein: 1.6gFat: 13.8gSaturated Fat: 1.9gSodium: 298.4mgPotassium: 321.8mgFiber: 1.6gSugar: 3.3gVitamin A: 1025.3IUVitamin C: 19.2mgCalcium: 26.2mgIron: 0.5mg
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I’m Suzy; born and bred right on the shores of the Mediterranean. I’m all about easy, healthy recipes with big Mediterranean flavors. Three values guide my cooking: eat with the seasons; use whole foods; and above all, share! So happy you’re here…
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4.88 from 78 votes (31 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Deirdre Schirmer says:

    I can hardly wait for fresh ripe summer tomatoes to try this recipe. I’m not a fan of the southern fried green tomatoes, but this alternative is making my mouth water. Actually, I wonder if a recipe like this might even perk up those drab supermarket tomatoes? I’ll try it and find out. I think somebody mentioned dill? If you tried that, share how it was. I love dill, but I’m not sure how well that goes with the chilies.

    1. Suzy says:

      This recipe will definitely give life to your average supermarket tomatoes, but using fresh summer tomatoes is going to take it over the top!! Enjoy!!

  2. Bettianne says:

    I love your simple, easy and very flavorful recipes. I can’t wait to try more over the summer.

    1. Suzy says:

      Thank you, Bettianne!

  3. Mary says:

    Great love tomatoes!!! This looks so tasty!!! Bring on the fresh summer tomatoes!!

    1. Suzy says:

      I can’t wait for summer tomatoes! The BEST!

  4. Cassi says:

    This looks amazing! I can’t wait to try it!

  5. William Mercer says:

    5 stars
    This tomato recipe was excellent! Followed recipe as written, but scaled down to serve two. Then served them up on olive oil brushed and warmed pita bread. This was part of a dinner of cod braised in tomato/saffron sauce, Spanish style rice, and roasted asparagus. Always look forward to your recipes. Thanks so much!

    1. Deirdre Schirmer says:

      Can I come to your house for dinner? That sounds wonderful! Thanks for including the entire menu – that’s a nice boost for planning purposes. Can you share the recipe for the tomato/saffron sauce for the fish?

      1. William Mercer says:

        Glad to share the recipe for the cod. I had a thick cod loin of about 1 1/2 lbs. In large skillet, added 2 TBS olive oil over medium hear. Added two thinly sliced cloves of garlic and 1 tsp of Aleppo pepper. cooked, stirring often, around 3 minutes. Added 9 oz of whole canned tomatoes ( this was around 9 oz of just tomato by weight without juice.) crushed by hand and added to skillet. add 1/4 cup dry white wine, 2 bay leaves, pinch of saffron, and 1/2 cup of water. bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer 5-7 minutes; salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to med-low, season cod with salt and pepper and place in skillet. Cover and cook at bare simmer until cod is cooked to 145 F. Time will depend on the thickness of you fish. I had a piece that was over 1/2 inch and I cooked it around 15 minutes. Serve in bowls and spoon poaching liquid over the fish. Hope you enjoy.

      2. Deirdre Schirmer says:

        Thank you! I have all of that stuff in my pantry so I can try it this weekend. 🙂

      3. Suzy says:

        Yay! Enjoy!

    2. Suzy says:

      That sounds like a fabulous dinner!!

  6. Peg Balano says:

    Can’t wait to try this recipe – all the best of the summer garden.

    1. Suzy says:

      Hope you enjoy it, Peg!

  7. Schatzi49 says:

    5 stars
    I love tomatoes in every form but this has me salivating. Next time I think I’ll try dill, what do you think?

    1. Suzy says:

      I say go for it! 🙂

  8. Mel says:

    5 stars
    Living in Corfu Greece,we have Toms here that can grow the size of a baseball ! Firm,juicy and SO full of flavour..Definitely saving this recipe..Thanks a lot Suzy..😘😘. ps,I think wifey will like these too.

    1. Suzy says:

      That sounds heavenly!!! Enjoy!

  9. Arlene Ferlisi says:

    This looks amazing, I have enjoyed so many of your recipes and cat wait to try this one!

  10. Holly says:

    Can’t wait to
    Make these!

    1. Suzy says:

      Hope you enjoy them, Holly!

  11. Juana Alvarado says:

    I wait for your emails with excitement to see and try your recipes. My husband feels spoiled. Thank you very much for sharing your recipes!

    1. Suzy says:

      You are very welcome, Juana! So glad you are enjoying the recipes!

      1. Deirdre Schirmer says:

        Juana, I agree! So many of the recipes online are for sweets or cutsie desserts, or they’re super complicated. Suzy’s recipes are simple, fresh, healthy, and delicious. I can’t believe it, but I am now a chickpea fanatic, lol. I look forward to the weekly menu and it’s always the basis of my planning and shopping for the week. Now, if only Suzy would come here and cook it with me (or for me?)!

  12. Elizabeth W. says:

    Your tomatos look so good! I think we will enjoy them!

  13. Terri Shaw says:

    This looks incredible! I will be making it soon!

  14. Sandy says:

    Yes, I will be trying recipe. Love fried green tomatoes but think these sound healthier.

  15. Carol R. Bradford says:

    5 stars
    gREAT. lOVE THE gARLIC TOMATOES sEND MORE TO cAROL

  16. Lily says:

    5 stars
    Perfect for extra tomatoes grown this summer 🍅