Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! I’m Chams from Seasoned Whispers sharing with you this special recipe that I really love. My family had a little garden with tomatoes, and some of my best memories are picking them with my grandmother. She would then cook these tan-haired babies into the best and most delicious food. Afraid of those nostalgic hours, I’m here to bring you a recipe that captures the flavorful goodness of tomatoes combined with a chorus of herbs and spices.
It’s not only about the ingredients; this is also a dish to bring back the summer dinner parties and Sunday brunches. This recipe is perfect whether you’re eating outside or brightening up a cloudy day.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
MAKE-Ahead Prompts: This food will taste even better when it has allowed the flavors to mix, so be sure to make it at least several hours ahead. Place in the refrigerator until serving.
For Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 days.
Key Ingredients
- Tomatoes (800-900 grams): Star of the show, go for juicy firm tomatoes for the perfect flavor and texture.
- Olive Oil (50ml): Richness, carrys flavors of other ingredients.
- 9% Vinegar (25ml) and Water (30ml): The vinegar is a nice sharp acidity and the water mellows flavors and distributes them.
- Salt (1 tsp) and Sugar (3 tsp): Adds to, and balances the sweet and tartness of the tomatoes.
- Pepper and Chili Pepper: For a bit of dimension and a bit of heat.
- Garlic (6 cloves): Gives an earthy flavour to most Mediterranean meals.
- Dill and Parsley: Fresh earthy flavors from these herbs.
Fairly Affordable Shopping Strategies*: Shop at your local farmers market for the best deals on fresh tomatoes and herbs.
Recipe Tips & Techniques
- Initial Preparation: Cut the garlic, tomatoes and peppers into chiffonades. Slice the dill and parsley roughly.
- Cooking: Saute the olive oil in a pan. Snip up garlic and peppers, cook until fragrant. : Stir in tomatoes, water, vinegar, salt and sugar. Simmer until the tomatoes become sauce.
- Add Finishing Flavors: Add chopped herbs just before you remove it from the stove to keep their color and taste.
Snack Tip: Blend the cooked veggies before adding the herbs for a more homogenous sauce.
Serving & Presentation
Served as a heavy sauce over grilled chicken or fish, or a stew on its own with some bread. Serve with more herbs and some olive oil to finish.
Beverage Pairing: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc goes well with the tartness and freshness of this dish.
Cultural Context
The meals devoted to tomatoes are also a must-have in most Mediterranean nations during the summer, when tomatoes are in season. That’s how I prepared these, but in a modern easy to cook version.
Nutrition & Health
You can get tons of vitamin C and K, potassium, and folate from tomatoes. They’re also known to contain antioxidants — most notably lycopene, a compound that’s been linked to numerous health benefits.
Troubleshooting
FAQs:
- Can I use canned tomatoes? Fresh tomatoes are best for this recipe, but if you can’t find them fresh canned whole tomatoes will work too.
- If the sauce is too tart? Tweak the sweetness with a pinch of sugar, 1/8 teaspoon at a time.
Conclusion
Hope this recipe is bursting with flavor and happiness on your table as much it is on mine. And it’s a multi-purpose dish that can be tweaked for all kinds of flavors. Give it a try, let us know how you like it, and maybe your own tomato stories! Happy cooking!
Pairings: Try our other garden-fresh dishes such as our “Herb-Fumed Grilled Vegetables” or “Zesty Lemon Basil Pasta”.