Sun-dried tomatoes, known for their intense flavor and chewy texture, have become a popular ingredient in various cuisines around the world. Their unique taste adds a burst of umami and tanginess to dishes, making them an excellent addition to salads, pasta, pizzas, and more. If you're looking for a way to elevate your cooking and explore the culinary possibilities of sun-dried tomatoes, this article will guide you through a collection of the best recipes that highlight their versatility. From classic Italian dishes to innovative fusion creations, these recipes will inspire you to unlock the full potential of this delightful ingredient.
Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!
SUN-DRIED TOMATOES I
Not a labor intensive process, but certainly a lengthy one. Once dried, store these tasty gems in the refrigerator.
Provided by Kellie
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes
Yield 32
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C).
- Wash and halve tomatoes. Gently squeeze out the seeds. Place the tomatoes on a non-stick cookie sheet, and sprinkle with salt to taste.
- Bake until tomatoes take on a leathery texture. This could literally take all day; smaller pieces will require less oven time.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 10.2 calories, Carbohydrate 2.2 g, Fat 0.1 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 0.5 g, Sodium 2.8 mg, Sugar 1.5 g
PASTA WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES
Steps:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water with a splash of oil to keep it from sticking together. Boil for 12 minutes, or according to the directions on the package. Drain well and allow to cool. Place the pasta in a bowl and add the tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- For the dressing, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, capers, salt, and pepper in a food processor until almost smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta, sprinkle with the Parmesan and basil, and toss well.
OVEN-DRIED TOMATOES
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 4h30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 0
Steps:
- Halve 2 pounds plum tomatoes lengthwise. Place cut-side up on a baking sheet, season with salt and let stand 20 minutes. Roast in a 250 degrees F oven until slightly dry but still juicy, about 4 hours. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with thyme.
MAKE YOUR OWN SUN-DRIED TOMATOES: OVEN, DEHYDRATOR, OR SUN
Found a great source for food preserving info at www.faqs.org, very pleased with my dried tomatoes! Paraphrased notes from the site: The best tomato to use for dehydrating is the Roma tomato because it contains less water and seeds. You can use any tomatoes but they may take a little longer to dry. All drying times below are approximate. It takes about 7-8 pounds of tomatoes to yield about a pint of dried tomatoes. Herbs are optional, you may prefer pain tomatoes for greater cooking versatility. After the tomatoes are dry, store in air-tight containers, or pack in oil.
Provided by Kitchen Witch Steph
Categories Vegetable
Time 8h20m
Yield 1 pint
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- TOMATO PREPARATION ALL METHODS.
- Cut out the stem and scar and the hard portion of core lying under it.
- Cut the tomatoes in half, lengthwise. If the tomato is more than about 2 inches long, cut it in quarters.
- Scrape out all of the seeds that you can without removing the pulp.
- Mix together thoroughly basil,oregano, thyme, and salt.
- Sprinkle a small amount of this mixture on each tomato.
- OVEN-DRYING (approximately 12 hours).
- Arrange the tomatoes, with the cut surface up, on non-stick cookie sheets (glass or porcelain dishes are OK.) Do not use aluminum foil or aluminum baking sheets as the acid in the tomato will react with the metal.
- Bake in 170°F oven for about 3 hours.
- Leave the oven door propped open about 3 inches to allow moisture to escape.
- After 3 hours, turn the tomatoes over and press flat with your hand or a spatula.
- Continue to dry, turning the tomatoes every few hours, and gently pressing flatter and flatter, until tomatoes are dry.
- DEHYDRATOR (approximately 8 hours):.
- Place the tomatoes, cut side up, directly onto the dehydrator trays.
- Set dehydrator temperature to about 140°F.
- After 4 or 5 hours, turn the tomatoes over and press flat with your hand or a spatula.
- After a few hours, turn the tomatoes again and flatten gently.
- Continue drying until done.
- SUN-DRYING (approximately 3 days):.
- Dry in hot weather, with relatively low humidity.
- Place tomatoes, cut side down, in shallow wood-framed trays with nylon netting for the bottom of the trays.
- Cover trays with protective netting or cheesecloth.
- Place in direct sun, raised from the ground.
- on blocks or anything else that allows air to circulate under the trays.
- Turn the tomatoes over after about 1 1/2 days, to expose the cut side to the sun.
- Place the trays in a sheltered spot after sundown, or if the weather turns bad.
- ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR ALL METHODS.
- No matter what method you choose, be aware that not all of the tomatoes will dry at the same rate. They do not all have the same amount of moisture, nor do they experience the same temperature and air circulation while they are drying.
- They are done when they are very dry, but still pliable. Texture is about that of a dried apricot. If dried too long, they become tough and leathery. If not dried long enough, they will mold and mildew, unless packed in oil. So watch them carefully while they dry. Try to remove them on an individual basis, before they become tough.
SUN-DRIED TOMATOES IN THE OVEN! SUN-DRIED TOMATOES
I don't remember where I got this from but I love this recipe because it's just tomatoes. I know there's a few other on here seasoned with oil and herbs (which I'm dying to try). I use these when I don't want to compromise the flavor of the dish I'm making :O) These never make it to a jar to be stored. They're still a tiny bit soft with a loaded sweet flavor! There's nothing to measure so you can choose how many you want to make!I had to put in an amount to post it...
Provided by MissTiff16
Categories Vegetable
Time 8h
Yield 18 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- Cut tomatoes in half.
- Place on foil lined baking tray.
- Bake at 200 degrees for 8-10 hours.
- Store in mason jar with olive oil.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 5.6, Fat 0.1, Sodium 1.6, Carbohydrate 1.2, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 0.8, Protein 0.3
Tips:
- Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best results.
- Use a variety of herbs and spices to create different flavor profiles.
- Dry the tomatoes in a sunny, well-ventilated area for best results.
- Store the sun-dried tomatoes in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes in salads, pastas, pizzas, and other dishes.
Conclusion:
Sun-dried tomatoes are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are easy to make and can be stored for a long time, making them a great pantry staple. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, you will love the flavor and convenience of sun-dried tomatoes.
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