Heirloom Stewed Tomatoes

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Heirloom Stewed Tomatoes is a delightful way to capture the essence of summer in a pot. Bursting with vibrant flavors, this dish showcases the beauty of heirloom tomatoes, giving you a taste of nostalgia and comfort with every spoonful.

Ingredients for Heirloom Stewed Tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes are the stars of this dish, offering unique flavors and vibrant colors. The onion adds a sweet, mellow base, while the garlic brings a fragrant depth. A touch of olive oil helps to sauté the vegetables to perfection. Sugar balances the acidity, and salt and pepper enhance the flavors. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley add a burst of freshness, and a splash of balsamic vinegar rounds out the dish with a tangy finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a variety of heirloom tomatoes for a more complex flavor profile.
  • For a smoother texture, blend the stew slightly with an immersion blender.
  • If your tomatoes are very acidic, adjust the sugar to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Heirloom Stewed Tomatoes pairs beautifully with crusty bread for soaking up all the juices. It also makes a savory side to grilled meats or fish. Consider serving it over pasta or rice for a heartier meal. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of heirloom?
Yes, you can use regular tomatoes, but the flavor profile may differ slightly. Heirlooms offer a distinct taste and texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Heirloom Stewed Tomatoes Recipe Walkthrough

First, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. While you're waiting, set up an ice bath in a large bowl. Now, grab each of your ripe heirloom tomatoes and score a small "X" at the bottom. This little trick will make peeling them a breeze. Once the water is boiling, drop the tomatoes in for just 30 seconds, then quickly transfer them to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. The skins should slip off easily now.

After peeling, chop the tomatoes into large chunks. In a large saucepan, heat up a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and let it cook until it's translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn.

Now, stir in your chopped tomatoes, along with the sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes have broken down and the mixture has thickened nicely.

Once your stew has reached a lovely, thick consistency, stir in the balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, and parsley. Remove the saucepan from the heat and taste to adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it warm, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, concentrated tomato flavor that feels like a warm hug.
  • Easy to make with simple, fresh ingredients.
  • Perfect for preserving a bounty of ripe tomatoes.
  • Customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

2 lbs ripe heirloom tomatoes
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil and prepare an ice bath.
2. Score an "X" on the bottom of each tomato, then blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds and immediately transfer to the ice bath.
3. Once cooled, peel the tomatoes and chop them into large chunks.
4. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions until translucent.
5. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
6. Stir in chopped tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens.
8. Stir in the balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, and parsley, then remove from heat.
9. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.

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