Favourite Tomatoes Recipes from Provence to Try this Summer

Staring at piles of heirloom tomatoes at a summer market in Provence will convince you that this fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) is native to the region. However typical tomatoes are today, according to Britannica, the plant’s origins lie in South America, arriving only in the early 16th century to Europe.

Tomatoes are common in Provencal recipes, and we have compiled a list of our favourites below.

During the hottest weeks of the year in Provence, it’s time to buy green zebras, pineapples (ananas), Coeur De Pigeon (in red and yellow), Coeur de Boeuf (like a beefsteak only better) and other varieties by the crate. Today, Provence is a large producer of tomatoes in France. There are acres of commercial greenhouses – serres and tunnels – growing tomatoes in soil and hydroponically. So the fantastic selection of varietals are not only local; in many cases, they are just picked. Here are some recipe ideas for any season.

Tomato Main Courses

Tasha recreates a traditional Niçois recipe for petits farcis, with stuffed zucchini and baked tomatoes suitable for vegetarian diets.

Stuffed Baked Tomatoes

An easy vegetarian dish. Serve as a side or as a main course with other stuffed vegetables. and a salad

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A traditional signature dish from Nice filled with local vegetables, including tomatoes, zucchini and peppers.

Tomates à la Provençale (stuffed, roasted tomatoes)

This recipe is quick to make, the preparation takes no time. Once the tomatoes are stuffed they are baked.

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Chef Yvan Gilardi of Toquadom worked closely with the Jean Martin Company to create a duck thigh recipe best when slow-cooked in an oven.

Duck Thighs in Olives and Tomatoes with Corn Pancakes

For the best results, allow enough time for the duck to slow-cook in the oven. Make the corn pancakes near the end of the cooking time and serve. This is a delicious, colourful dish.

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A seafood dish with Mediterranean sea bass served over rice and topped with tomatoes and olives.

Sea Bass with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes

Easy fish dinner with all the wonderful flavours of the Mediterranean.

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David created a healthy option for Cocoa & Lavender followers: Seared salmon with a mixture of vegetables on the side.

Seared Salmon with Tomato-Shallot Ragoût 

The tomato ragoût is simple to prepare, you can make it in advance as it will keep for a few days. The salmon takes less than 10 minutes to cook, so dinner is on the table in no time at all.

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This dish includes Mediterranean chicken baked with potatoes, lemon, and tomatoes.

Mediterranean chicken with tomatoes, olives & lemon

This easy recipe featured was featured in "Waitrose Weekend." The ingredients are few and there is only one pan to clean. What could be better? Well maybe a glass of Pure rosé.

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Tomato Appetizers and Lunch

Gilles Conchy’s cooking class prepared a Provencal gourmet tart consisting of tomatoes, olives, and goat cheese!

Tomato Olive Tarts - Appetizer

There are a few steps to this recipe, but don't be put off. There is nothing complicated, and you will love the result. As a bonus, the little tart shells are a bit like savoury shortbread so you can serve those on their own. And, if you make too much olive tapenade, it will keep for a few days in the fridge.

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Try this simple and delicious tart covered in savoury slow-roasted tomatoes.

Tomato Tart à la Provencal

Serve this savoury tart as a lunch dish with a crisp green salad, or as an appetizer with some rosé from Provence.

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This tart with local goat cheese and fresh tomatoes is a real summer treat.

Fresh Tomato Goat Cheese Tart

This easy-to-make tart combines flavourful tomatoes and tangy goat cheese in a pretty shape.

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David did an excellent job combining Provencal flavours into a summer tomato soup.

Fennel-Tomato Soup with Pastis

Like many soup recipes this one is easy to make, when summer tomatoes start tempt you.

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Maison Mirabeau publishes a recipe for tomato tart tatin that taste as good as it looks!

Tomato Tarte Tatin

Allow enough time to prepare the key ingredients (onions and tomatoes) in advance. This savoury tart is a great lunch dish with a green salad or s starter course at dinner time. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.

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Salads with Tomatoes

The perfect summer meal builds on a classic Italian salad filled with fresh tomatoes and nectarines.

Heirloom Tomato and White Nectarine Salad

This salad takes no time to make, but make sure to pick the ripest tomatoes and nectarines that you can find.

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Paula provides a recipe for tomato lovers with her fig and tomato salad.

Fig and Tomato Salad

This is a easy and delicious salad that combines sweet fig and tangy tomatoes on one plate.

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Maison Mirabeau kitchen created a healthy summer salad using tomatoes and thymes.

Summer Salad: Barley Salad with Roasted Tomato and Thyme

Tender beads of barley dancing among roasted tomatoes, garlic, onions and thyme then topped with salty black olives,

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A salad packed with vegetables: Cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, green beans and more!

Salade Niçoise

My version of this meal-sized salad from Nice for the purists and the rest of us.

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