Sweet & Tangy Marinated Tomatoes
Boost Your Summer Health with Delicious Marinated Tomatoes!
Tomatoes are a summer staple, and while they’re delicious on their own, this marinated tomato recipe elevates them to a whole new level! Known for their health benefits – ‘when tomatoes ripen, doctors turn pale’ – they are a must-have for a healthy diet. This recipe features tomatoes marinated in a flavorful dressing, enhanced with olive oil for better nutrient absorption. Get ready to enjoy a burst of refreshing flavor that’s perfect for any occasion!
Main Ingredients- 1kg Cherry Tomatoes
- 1/2 Onion
- 10 Fresh Basil Leaves
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by selecting 1kg of ripe cherry tomatoes. Varieties like Roma or grape tomatoes work best as they have fewer seeds and a firmer texture. Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and make 2-3 small slits on the skin of each tomato. These small cuts will make peeling much easier.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully add the prepared tomatoes and blanch them for just about 5 seconds. It’s important not to overcook them at this stage.
Step 3
Immediately transfer the blanched tomatoes to cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. The fresher the tomatoes, the easier the skins will peel off. If you’re having trouble peeling, you can make the slits slightly deeper or increase the blanching time by a few seconds.
Step 4
Now comes the peeling process. Gently slip the skins off each tomato with your fingers, revealing the beautiful, glistening flesh inside. While this step might seem a bit tedious at first, you’ll find it goes quite quickly once you get into the rhythm. The attractive appearance of the peeled tomatoes makes the effort worthwhile!
Step 5
In a clean container, combine the peeled tomatoes with the thinly sliced onion, fresh basil leaves, and all the marinade ingredients: sugar (or your chosen sweetener), vinegar, salt, and olive oil. (Tip: If you’re managing blood sugar or reducing sugar intake, consider using xylitol or erythritol as a sugar substitute.)
Step 6
Gently toss all the ingredients together to coat the tomatoes evenly with the marinade. Be careful not to mash the tomatoes. The olive oil will give them a beautiful, glossy sheen, making them look like precious jewels.
Step 7
Transfer the marinated tomatoes into clean glass jars for storage. While they are delicious to eat right away, chilling them in the refrigerator for a while will enhance their refreshing and clean flavor.
Step 8
These marinated tomatoes are delightful immediately after preparation, but their flavors meld beautifully and deepen after resting in the refrigerator for at least a day. They are incredibly versatile: toss them into salads, serve them as a side dish with grilled meats or pasta, or pair them with fresh mozzarella for an elegant appetizer with wine. You’ll find yourself reaching for them constantly!
Step 9
You can often find small potted basil plants at supermarkets these days. After picking the leaves you need, you can plant the remaining pot in soil and grow your own fresh basil at home. It’s a rewarding little project that adds freshness to your cooking!
