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Tomato, Olive and Leek Bake

Tomato, Olive and Leek Bake

This delicious tomato, olive and leek bake is a simpleMediterranean-inspired dish packed with fresh vegetables and bold flavour.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large ripe tomatoes sliced
  • 2 large leeks trimmed, washed, and sliced
  • 100 g pitted black or green olives
  • 3 garlic cloves finely sliced
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 50 g grated Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese
  • 50 g breadcrumbs
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Small handful of fresh parsley or basil chopped

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan) / 375°F. Lightly grease a large ovenproof baking dish with a little olive oil.
  2. Heat one tablespoon of the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
  3. Add the sliced leeks and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in the sliced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Arrange half of the tomatoes in the prepared baking dish and season lightly with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
  5. Spread the softened leeks and garlic over the tomatoes, then scatter over the olives.
  6. Arrange the remaining tomato slices on top and drizzle with the remaining olive oil.
  7. Sprinkle over the smoked paprika, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs.
  8. Bake for 30–40 minutes, until the tomatoes are tender, the edges are bubbling, and the topping is golden brown.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes.
  10. Scatter over the fresh parsley or basil and serve warm with crusty bread, rice, or a green salad.

Notes

Chef’s Tips
  • Use ripe tomatoes: Choose naturally sweet, flavourful tomatoes for the best result.
  • Cook the leeks first: Softening them before baking brings out their natural sweetness and prevents them from remaining too firm.
  • Don't over-season: Olives and Parmesan can be quite salty, so taste before adding extra salt.
  • Add some heat: A pinch of chilli flakes gives the bake a delicious spicy kick.
  • Make it cheesy: Mozzarella, feta, or vegetarian hard cheese can all be used for a different finish.
  • Let it rest: A few minutes of resting allows the juices to settle and makes the bake easier to serve.