Sun-dried tomatoes have recently become popular. But they are quite simple to prepare and have an unusual savory taste. Ideally, ripe, medium-sized, fleshy tomatoes with strong pulp should be dried. Any dense fruit and even cherry tomatoes will do.

For drying (curing) a tomato, all herbs of Italian cuisine (rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, etc.) are suitable, and for the original aroma, you can add, in addition to the traditional black and chili peppers, suneli hops, cardamom, celery, cumin, cayenne pepper, ginger, barberry, cumin, coriander, etc. It is best to grind the spice mixture just before adding it to the tomatoes or to the pot for storing them, so the aroma will be more intense.

Sun-dried tomato recipes

Sun-dried tomatoes in slices

Sun-dried tomatoes are an indispensable ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. They are used to prepare meat and fish dishes, and various sauces and gravies are made from them.

Ingredients:

• Tomatoes - 1 kg
• Olive oil - 4 tablespoons
• Salt to taste
• Dry Herb Blend - To Taste

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 100 ° C. Place a sheet of parchment oiled with olive oil on a baking sheet. Wash the tomatoes and cut them in half.

Arrange the tomatoes, cut upwards on a baking sheet. Season with salt, pepper, sprinkle with a mixture of dry herbs, sprinkle with oil. Place in the oven and dry for at least 24 hours.

Transfer the sun-dried tomatoes to a jar with a lid and pour over with olive oil. Store in a cool place.

Spicy sun-dried tomatoes

These spicy sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil can be added to salads or served as a stand-alone snack.

Ingredients:

• Apple vinegar - 0.5 l
• Balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons
• Water - 1 l
• Sun-dried tomatoes - 500 g
• Capers to taste

• Sea salt to taste
• Garlic to taste
• Red pepper to taste
• Oregano - to taste
• Fennel, seeds - to taste
• Olive oil to taste

Preparation:

We mix water, apple cider and balsamic vinegar. Soak sun-dried tomatoes in this solution for 2.5 hours. Then we discard the tomatoes in a colander and let the liquid drain. Put the tomatoes on a paper towel. Mix the capers with coarse sea salt.

In a bowl, stir in tomatoes, capers, finely chopped garlic, red pepper, oregano, basil, fennel seeds, a little olive oil. We carefully put everything in a glass jar and fill it with olive oil. The tomatoes should be completely covered with oil. Store tomatoes in the refrigerator.

Sun-dried tomatoes in the oven

Cooking baked tomatoes with sugar and spices. An excellent appetizer or side dish for the main course.

Ingredients:

• Small tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Brown sugar
• Marjoram
• Pepper
• Salt

Preparation: Cut the tomatoes in half, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with brown sugar, pepper, salt and marjoram. Put the cut side down on a baking sheet, bake in the oven at 175 degrees for 40-45 minutes. Serve with any dish or just with bread in the form of sandwiches.

See how to decorate a table in Italian style: