Charming Tomato Marinade
How to Make Refreshing and Sweet Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Olive Oil
A while ago, a friend brought me some marinated tomatoes they had made. I remember tasting it and thinking, ‘Wow, what is this?’ Even though I’m not usually a big fan of tomatoes, I was captivated by the flavor and couldn’t stop eating it. So, I decided to make it myself! This recipe transforms simple cherry tomatoes into a delightful appetizer or side dish, perfect for whetting your appetite.
Ingredients- 500g fresh cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 medium onion
- 20g fresh basil leaves
- 60ml extra virgin olive oil
- 60ml plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- A pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the fresh cherry tomatoes and remove their stems. Blanch them in boiling water for about 10-20 seconds until the skins loosen slightly, then immediately transfer them to cold water. This makes peeling much easier. Once cooled, carefully make a small slit in the skin and gently peel it off. Pat the peeled tomatoes dry.
Step 2
Sterilize a glass jar by boiling it in water. Invert the jar to allow it to dry completely. This ensures a hygienic environment for marinating and storing your tomatoes.
Step 3
Finely dice the onion. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the diced onion in cold water for a few minutes and then drain thoroughly. Finely chop the fresh basil leaves. Wash them, pat them dry, and chop them as finely as possible. The basil will add a wonderful aroma to the marinade.
Step 4
Prepare the marinade sauce. In a bowl, combine 60ml of extra virgin olive oil, 60ml of plum extract, 2 Tbsp of lemon juice, and 2 Tbsp of honey. Add 1/2 tsp of salt and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Whisk everything together until the salt and honey are completely dissolved, creating a well-balanced dressing.
Step 5
Place the peeled cherry tomatoes in a mixing bowl. Pour the prepared marinade sauce evenly over the tomatoes. Add the finely diced onion and chopped basil on top. Gently toss everything together with a spoon or spatula, being careful not to crush the tomatoes. Ensure the tomatoes are well-coated with the sauce.
Step 6
Transfer the marinated tomatoes and dressing into the sterilized glass jar. Seal the jar tightly with its lid. Refrigerate for at least half a day, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. This will result in a deeply flavorful and delicious tomato marinade, perfect for serving with salads, pasta, or bread!
