Delish And Muffin Top Friendly

Marinate sliced tomatoes with balsamic vinegar for 4 hours.

Bake at 350 for about 7 minutes or until a little tender.

Meanwhile, sauté spinach and garlic with a dash of sea salt and lemon juice.

Put spinach on top of tomatoes and sprinkle with low fat cheese of your choice.

Broil until cheese is golden!

Ta da. Delish and muffin top friendly!

Notes:

Marinated Tomatoes: Marinating the sliced tomatoes in balsamic vinegar for 4 hours adds depth of flavor and a tangy sweetness to the dish.

Baking Process: Baking the marinated tomatoes at 350°F (175°C) for about 7 minutes or until slightly tender helps to intensify their flavor and soften them just enough without losing their texture.

Sautéed Spinach: Sautéing spinach with garlic, sea salt, and lemon juice adds freshness and a savory element to the dish. The lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the cheese.

Layering: Layering the sautéed spinach on top of the baked tomatoes creates a contrast of textures and flavors, enhancing the overall dish.

Choice of Cheese: Sprinkling low-fat cheese on top adds creaminess and richness without adding excessive calories, making the dish “muffin top friendly.”

Broiling: Broiling the assembled dish until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly adds a crispy, caramelized layer on top, further enhancing the texture and visual appeal.

Presentation: The final dish is presented with the tomatoes as the base, topped with spinach and cheese, creating a visually appealing and flavorful combination.

Health Considerations: Using low-fat cheese and incorporating spinach and tomatoes makes this recipe a healthier option, rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Quick and Easy: This recipe is quick to prepare, with most of the time spent marinating the tomatoes. It’s suitable for a weeknight dinner or as a side dish for entertaining.

Customization: The recipe allows for flexibility in cheese choice and can be adapted with additional herbs or spices to suit personal preferences.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any type of tomato for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of tomato you prefer.

Roma tomatoes or vine-ripened tomatoes work well due to their firm texture.

How do I know when the tomatoes are marinated enough in balsamic vinegar?

Four hours is generally sufficient for the tomatoes to absorb the flavors of the balsamic vinegar, but you can adjust the marinating time based on your preference for intensity of flavor.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach for fresh spinach.

Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach before sautéing it with garlic.

What kind of low-fat cheese is recommended for this recipe?

You can use any low-fat cheese you prefer, such as part-skim mozzarella, reduced-fat cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

Can I skip broiling the dish if I prefer the cheese not to be golden?

Yes, you can skip broiling if you prefer.

The broiling step is mainly to melt and brown the cheese, so if you prefer it less golden, you can omit this step or reduce the broiling time.

Is there an alternative to balsamic vinegar for marinating the tomatoes?

If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as alternatives.

However, the flavor profile may vary slightly.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.

Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all vegetables are cooked to your liking.

How long should I sauté the spinach and garlic?

Sauté the spinach and garlic until the spinach is wilted and the garlic is fragrant, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes over medium heat.

Can I prepare this dish in advance and bake it later?

Yes, you can marinate the tomatoes and sauté the spinach in advance, then assemble the dish and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly if the ingredients are chilled.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians as it does not contain any meat products.

However, make sure to use vegetarian-friendly cheese if needed.