Dried tomatoes in oil

The Indulgence of Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil

There are moments when a simple tomato becomes a true star in our dishes. Sun-dried tomatoes are not only a delicious snack but also a versatile ingredient that can enhance salads, pasta, or even pizza. These tomatoes are an excellent way to preserve the flavor of summer, and with this simple and accessible recipe, I will show you how to prepare them at home.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Storage time: 1-2 weeks (depending on storage conditions)
Number of servings: 10-12

Necessary ingredients:

- 2 kg small tomatoes, preferably cherry or plum
- A pinch of sea salt
- A pinch of freshly ground pepper
- 10 small cloves of garlic
- 6 teaspoons of dried thyme (or a bunch of fresh thyme)
- 2 hot peppers (preferably fresh, but you can also use dried hot peppers)
- 200 ml extra virgin olive oil

Let’s begin our culinary adventure!

1. Preparing the tomatoes
The first step in this recipe is to take care of the tomatoes. Start by washing the tomatoes well under a stream of cold water. Then, cut each tomato in half or quarters, depending on your preference. Small tomatoes dry better when cut in half, but you can opt for quarters if you prefer a chunkier texture.

2. Salting the tomatoes
Place the cut tomatoes on a baking tray, cut side up. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over them. The salt not only helps preserve the tomatoes but also brings out their natural flavor. Let the tomatoes sit like this for 30 minutes. This will help remove excess water, resulting in perfectly dried tomatoes.

3. Drying the tomatoes
Preheat the oven to 80-90 degrees Celsius. Place the tray with tomatoes in the oven and let them dry for 4-6 hours. It’s important to check the tomatoes every hour. When they are ready, they should be dry but not completely crunchy. The ideal texture is soft but not wet.

4. Preparing the flavors
In the meantime, prepare the flavors! Peel the garlic and slice it thinly. If you like intense flavors, you can even crush the garlic. In a clean container, add the garlic, thyme, and chopped hot pepper. These ingredients will infuse the olive oil with delicious flavors.

5. Assembly
Once the tomatoes are ready, let them cool slightly. In a sterilized jar, place a layer of tomatoes followed by a layer of the garlic, thyme, and hot pepper mixture. Continue alternating layers until the jar is full. Finally, pour the olive oil over the tomatoes, ensuring that all ingredients are completely covered.

6. Storage
Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place. Sun-dried tomatoes in oil can be consumed immediately, but it’s best to let them sit for a few days so that the flavors meld. They can be stored for 1-2 weeks at room temperature or a few months in the refrigerator.

Nutritional benefits
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant known for its properties to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and improve skin health. Olive oil, on the other hand, is an excellent source of healthy fats, beneficial for the heart. Thus, this recipe is not only delicious but also healthy!

Possible variations
If you want to experiment, you can add herbs like basil or oregano for an extra flavor boost. You can also replace the hot pepper with paprika for a different note. Or, for a sweeter version, you can add some slices of red onion between the layers of tomatoes.

Serving suggestions
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil are excellent served alongside cheeses, on a toasted bread tartine, or as a secret ingredient in salads. Additionally, they work wonders in pasta, where they can add an intense and aromatic flavor.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use large tomatoes?
You can, but small tomatoes have a higher concentration of flavor and dry more evenly.

2. How can I tell if the tomatoes are ready?
The tomatoes should be flexible but not wet. If they are too dry, don’t worry, you can use them in soups or sauces.

3. Can I use other oils instead of olive oil?
Olive oil is ideal, but you can experiment with grape seed oil or nut oil for different flavors.

With this simple and quick recipe, you will bring a touch of summer to every meal. Indulge in the taste of sun-dried tomatoes in oil and enjoy their flavor!