Mediterranean Grilled Side Dish with Ham and Thyme

This hearty tomato cake is a simple and aromatic side dish from the grill. The juicy batter with tomatoes, ham, and fresh thyme is perfect as a party snack, BBQ side dish, or light meal.

The cake is baked in a Dutch oven or a cast iron baking dish. A square Dutch oven pan or a flat cast iron dish is particularly suitable for this recipe.

Ingredients (for approx. 4–6 servings)

300g flour

5 eggs

200g dried ham

3 medium tomatoes

5 tbsp olive oil

8–10 tbsp milk

1 sprig fresh thyme

1 packet baking powder

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

Butter for greasing the dish

Optional
50g grated cheese (e.g. Gruyere or Parmesan)

Preparation

1. Prepare the dough

Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Whisk the eggs in a second bowl.

Add olive oil and milk and mix well.

Then mix the egg mixture with the dry ingredients to form a smooth dough.

2. Prepare the ingredients

Wash the tomatoes, remove the stem, and cut them into small cubes.

Also cut the dried ham into small pieces.

Wash the thyme, shake dry, and pick off the leaves.

Carefully fold the tomatoes, ham, and thyme into the dough.

3. Prepare the Dutch Oven

Grease the cast iron dish or Dutch oven with butter.

Pour the dough evenly into the dish.

4. Baking

Preheat the grill to approx. 180 °C indirect heat.

Place the Dutch oven in the grill and bake the cake for approx. 40–45 minutes, until golden brown.

Alternatively, the cake can also be baked in the oven.

5. Serving

Let the tomato cake cool briefly, then cut it into pieces.

Serve warm or cold – ideal as a snack or BBQ side dish.

Thanks to Barbecue&Cochonailles for the delicious idea!