Homemade Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil
Easy Recipe for Making Sun-Dried Tomatoes at Home
Have some cherry tomatoes left over and don’t know what to do with them? This recipe for homemade sun-dried tomatoes is perfect for preserving them to enjoy later! When stored in olive oil, they become a delicious addition to sandwiches or a flavorful ingredient for pasta dishes. Let’s make these versatile and delightful sun-dried tomatoes together!
Ingredients- 500g cherry tomatoes (choose fresh, firm ones)
- Olive oil (enough to generously cover the tomatoes)
- Pinch of coarse sea salt or kosher salt
- Fresh thyme or your favorite herbs (like rosemary, oregano) to taste (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the cherry tomatoes under running water. After washing, gently pat them completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth. Excess moisture can negatively affect the drying process.
Step 2
Remove the stems from the cherry tomatoes. Then, gently press them and cut them in half. Arrange the halved tomatoes cut-side up on a baking sheet or oven tray, ensuring they don’t overlap. This allows for even heat distribution and proper drying.
Step 3
Sprinkle a small amount of coarse salt evenly over the cut surfaces of the tomatoes. Salt helps draw out moisture and enhances their flavor. Next, drizzle olive oil generously over the tomatoes. The oil will coat them, keeping them moist and adding rich flavor during drying.
Step 4
If desired, add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano over the tomatoes. The aromatic herbs will infuse them with a wonderful fragrance and depth of flavor, making your sun-dried tomatoes even more special.
Step 5
Place the prepared tomatoes in a preheated oven. Start by baking at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes, just until the skins begin to wrinkle. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 120°C (250°F) and continue to bake slowly for about 40 minutes. Adjust the temperature and time based on your oven’s performance.
Step 6
Check the tomatoes periodically to achieve your desired texture. I prefer them slightly chewy and tender, not too dry. Once they reach this consistency, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.
Step 7
Prepare the glass jar for storage by washing it thoroughly and then sterilizing it by immersing it in boiling water. Ensure the jar is completely dry after sterilization for hygienic storage.
Step 8
Carefully place the cooled sun-dried tomatoes into the sterilized glass jar. Avoid filling the jar too tightly; leave a little space.
Step 9
Pour enough olive oil into the jar to completely cover the tomatoes. Storing them submerged in olive oil helps preserve their chewy texture and deep flavor for a long time. Keep them refrigerated and enjoy them in sandwiches, salads, pasta, and many other dishes!
