Stewed Tomato Recipe

This classic stewed tomato recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish that perfectly blends the natural sweetness and acidity of fresh tomatoes with a variety of seasonings. Ideal for a comforting side dish or as a base for soups, stews, and sauces, stewed tomatoes are incredibly versatile. With just a few simple ingredients and an easy cooking process, this stewed tomato recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Description

Stewed tomatoes are a timeless comfort food, beloved for their rich flavor and versatility. Whether served as a side dish, incorporated into pasta sauces, or used as a topping for rice, stewed tomatoes have a deep, savory flavor that enhances almost any meal. This simple stewed tomato recipe brings out the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes, combined with the perfect balance of spices and seasonings.

The key to making the perfect stewed tomatoes is selecting the right variety of tomatoes. Plum tomatoes, such as Roma, are ideal due to their meaty texture and low moisture content. When stewed, they hold up well and give the dish its signature rich, thick sauce. However, you can also use a combination of different tomatoes based on what you have available.

The recipe begins by blanching the tomatoes to easily remove the skins. This step ensures a smooth, uniform texture in your stewed tomatoes. After peeling, the tomatoes are simmered with onions, garlic, and herbs, which draw out the deep, aromatic flavors. The final result is a dish with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. The simplicity of the recipe makes it easy to prepare, even for beginners, and can be customized with additional herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme.

Stewed tomatoes can be used in countless ways. Serve them as a side dish with meat or fish, spoon them over rice or pasta, or even stir them into soups or chili for added depth. This dish also freezes well, so you can make a large batch and store it for later use.

Another reason this stewed tomato recipe is a favorite is its nutritional benefits. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, which has been shown to support heart health and may help reduce the risk of certain cancers. When cooked, tomatoes release even more lycopene, making this stewed tomato recipe not just delicious but also healthful.

While the recipe calls for basic ingredients, feel free to get creative with your stewed tomatoes. Some variations include adding a dash of sugar to counterbalance acidity, incorporating bell peppers for extra flavor, or even a bit of balsamic vinegar for a unique twist. The versatility of this dish makes it a staple in kitchens across the world, from rustic farmhouses to modern urban homes.

Ingredients:

6 large tomatoes (preferably Roma or plum tomatoes)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Tomatoes: Begin by blanching the tomatoes. To do this, score an “X” at the bottom of each tomato with a sharp knife. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, place the tomatoes in the water for about 30 seconds, or until the skins start to peel away. Remove the tomatoes and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Peel the skins off, remove the cores, and chop the tomatoes into chunks.
Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
Simmer the Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir in the salt, pepper, sugar (if using), basil, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium low heat. Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the stew and adjust the seasonings if necessary. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add more sugar, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. If you like a chunkier texture, you can use a potato masher to break down the tomatoes further.
Serve: Once the tomatoes have stewed to a thick, flavorful consistency, garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm. Enjoy your stewed tomatoes as a side dish or use them in a variety of recipes.

Notes:

If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the stewed tomatoes with an immersion blender before serving.
This stewed tomato recipe is versatile and can be easily doubled for larger gatherings or meal prepping.
Store any leftover stewed tomatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
You can adjust the herbs and seasonings to suit your taste—try adding thyme, rosemary, or red pepper flakes for a different flavor profile.