How to make dried tomatoes with your own hands: a selection of the best ways to prepare tomatoes at home
What a variety of dishes are prepared from tomatoes! This juicy and tasty fruit allows both an experienced and a novice cook to realize the flight of imagination, because there is nothing complicated in their preparation. Despite the variety of recipes, in Russia the main tomato dishes are salted tomatoes (barrel), lecho, and tomato paste.
But if you visit Italy, Spain, Greece and other countries along the Mediterranean coast, it will be difficult not to try Sun-dried tomatoes, which are added to almost all dishes. This savory delicacy can take its rightful place on your table: in the article you will find the best variations of recipes for preparing dried tomatoes.
Are there any benefits from sun-dried tomatoes?
The healthiest product is a fresh product, so nothing can replace a tomato freshly picked from the garden. This does not mean giving up other variations and culinary experiments with this vegetable, since the process of drying (drying), unlike boiling or stewing, allows you to preserve the maximum beneficial properties. This means that dried tomato is rich in dietary fiber, di- and monosaccharides, and as a result, improves the functioning of the digestive system.
Note. The calorie content of sun-dried tomatoes is relatively low - only 258 kcal per 100 grams of product, of which in the BJU ratio there are 14.1 g of protein, 3.0 g of fat and 43.5 g of carbohydrates.Therefore, people who care about nutrition and body can safely add them to their diet.
Dried tomatoes contain a lot of potassium, its regular consumption is preventative against vision problems and reduces the risk of blood clots. They also help remove excess moisture from the body and prevent the occurrence of edema.
Sun-dried tomatoes have a beneficial effect on the nervous system and, according to some studies, act as natural antidepressants, because they contain a lot of serotonin. In addition to all of the above, there is an improvement in potency in men who include sun-dried tomatoes in their diet on a regular basis.
The beneficial properties of this product are truly extensive, but try not to forget that the product brings true benefits only when consumed in moderation, so we recommend refraining from abusing them, even if these are very tasty sun-dried tomatoes!
How to choose the right tomatoes for drying
When choosing the right tomatoes for drying, you should pay attention to medium-sized fruits, not too juicy and always red, since pink or yellow tomatoes contain more moisture. Give preference not to greenhouse tomatoes, but to those grown in the garden in an open space.
Of course, given the conditions of city life, this is often problematic. Therefore, it is better to deal with the problem of preparing tomatoes for further drying in the summer, when it is possible to purchase garden fruits.
On a note. Remember that about 90% of the weight is lost when dried; this is a determining factor when choosing the size of a tomato. Also, choose a tomato that is ripe, without dents, stains or signs of rotting.
Preparing for drying
To dry, you need a clean fruit: wash, remove the roots, cut lengthwise or crosswise into several pieces, try to remove the seeds. The peel should not be removed, as it helps keep the product in shape.
To prepare the vegetables themselves for the drying process, they are washed, the roots are removed, and cut crosswise into small rings or lengthwise into several pieces. Make the slices small so that the water evaporates faster.
Attention. It is advisable to leave the peel - although this will increase the cooking time, it will allow the tomatoes to retain their shape.
Is it necessary to remove the liquid core when drying tomatoes?
This is probably the most common question. However, there is no clear answer to this question. If the core is not removed, the product will take longer to dry, but this does not have much effect on the taste.
How to dry and cure tomatoes
There are many ways to dry and dry tomatoes. And this allows you to choose the best option that meets your requirements for time, place and climate. Technological progress has given us special dryers that can turn the kitchen of any home into an Italian courtyard where tomatoes are dried.
However, no one will forbid you to choose classic recipes and want to dry according to all the rules. Regardless of which method is chosen, we suggest you familiarize yourself with the variety of cooking options, including how to make dried tomatoes and dry tomatoes for the winter at home
How to dry tomatoes outdoors
If you have 4 to 10 days left, and the natural conditions include bright sun and dry weather, feel free to choose the simplest and cheapest method - air drying.
Parts of tomatoes are laid out on a special surface (baking tray, wire rack, etc.) and covered with gauze or netting to prevent insects and debris. Be sure to generously salt them, this way you will avoid spoilage of the product.
It is necessary to turn the tomatoes several times a day, so they dry evenly, and at night, bring them indoors to prevent them from becoming damp. At the end of drying, send them to a warm oven for a while, so they will acquire a more pronounced aroma and taste.
Simple drying of tomatoes in an electric dryer
An electric dryer can cook a dish in just 10 hours! How to dry tomatoes in an electric dryer? The cut tomatoes are sprinkled with herbs and spices and placed in the dryer, cut side up, for a specified period of time at a temperature of about 70 degrees. It is necessary to change the trays every 2 hours to ensure uniformity of the drying process.
When it comes to cooking tomatoes, the drying and drying processes are approximately the same. But remember that a sun-dried tomato is softer and more elastic, while a dried tomato is brittle and brittle.
Oven drying option
If there is no electric dryer available, and the climate or time of year does not allow the tomatoes to be dried under the sun, then they are cooked in the oven. The method is very simple: set the temperature to 120 degrees and leave the tomatoes for about 4-6 hours, periodically checking the drying process.
Note. Cooking time depends on the power of the oven, as does the quality of the finished dish.
In the microwave
Another simple home cooking method is in the microwave. To get tomatoes that are as close as possible in quality and taste to sun-dried ones, it is better to cook them in three stages.
First, chop the tomatoes and sprinkle with the desired seasonings, then microwave them for about 5-6 minutes on high power. Take them out and drain the resulting juice, and then cool. The second time, leave them in the microwave again for the same time, take them out and let them cool. And repeat this process a third time.
How to store sun-dried tomatoes
It is important not only to properly dry the tomatoes, but also to provide the necessary storage conditions. This is what will help preserve the freshness of products and their nutritional value for as long as possible, and will also allow you to enjoy this dish all year round.
The abundance of methods makes it possible to choose the most convenient one, but we will focus on only a few options.
Method for storing tomatoes in oil
This method is the most reliable. Sun-dried tomatoes are placed in a jar and filled with high-quality olive oil with the addition of the necessary seasonings and spices. Be careful, because if there is excess moisture left in the vegetables, the combination of oil and water will cause the dish to not last long.
Therefore, the main recommendation for those who want to store tomatoes in oil is to dry them thoroughly. It is also a good idea to follow the rules for pasteurizing glass jars.
There are many ways to sterilize a container: in a water bath, in the oven. The process will help get rid of bacteria. Salt and vinegar are added to the jar, which also help fight germs.
It is best to consume tomatoes within 2-3 weeks from the moment the jar is opened.
No oil
The dried dish can be stored on its own without any additives. To do this, purchase a vacuum bag or zip-lock bag. It is believed that storage in vacuum bags is safe, because germs do not get into them.
Read also:
How to make pumpkin jam correctly: the most delicious recipes for the winter.
Top 15 most delicious canned tomato recipes: how to pickle tomatoes.
Canning dried tomatoes
For lovers of real rich sun-dried tomatoes, almost soaked in the Italian sun, we offer a recipe for canned dried tomatoes that will decorate any table.
Preparation:
- Wash and wipe the required number of tomatoes dry, cut them, preferably remove the core.
- Place the chopped tomatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the chopped vegetables with a mixture of salt, sugar, pepper, basil, garlic and any other spices and place in the oven, first for 15 minutes at 150 degrees, then reduce the temperature to 100 degrees and leave to dry for 4-5 hours with the door slightly ajar. oven door (to allow excess moisture to escape).
- We recommend taking small jars for preservation, in which the product is enough for one or two uses. Sterilize them first.
- Place the finished tomatoes in a jar and fill with hot oil, you can add spices to taste. The oil should completely cover the tomatoes.
- Cover with a sterilized lid and sterilize for an additional 10 minutes in the pan.
- Then turn the jars upside down and leave them to cool for a day.
The final stage is to put it in a secluded, dark, dry place, hidden from hungry prying eyes!
Dried tomatoes: culinary uses
Dried tomatoes are used as an ingredient in a number of dishes.
Italian style dried tomatoes with butter and cheese
If you prepared sun-dried tomatoes yourself or purchased a ready-made version, then an extremely simple, but incredibly tasty recipe - sun-dried tomatoes with butter and cheese. Arrange the tomatoes on a plate, chop the mozzarella, the delicate and creamy taste of which goes perfectly with the tart taste of the tomatoes, and then garnish with fresh lettuce and basil.
Spicy sun-dried tomatoes in oil and vinegar (Sicilian recipe)
The Sicilian recipe for making sun-dried tomatoes gives the latter a sharp, bright taste. To prepare this dish you will need tomatoes dried by any of the methods, as well as Sicilian marinade.
Attention. The recipe is based on 12 kg of fresh (!!!) tomatoes.
Ingredients for marinade:
- vinegar (0.6 l);
- water (0.5 l);
- bay leaf (4 pieces)
Preparing the marinade:
- Mix the ingredients and let it boil.
- Place the tomatoes in the marinade and cook for about 12 minutes.
- Then use a colander to drain the excess water, place the tomatoes on a towel and leave to dry for 8-9 hours.
Preparing the dressing:
- For the dressing, mix chopped herbs (oregano and thyme), finely chopped hot pepper (without seeds) and garlic.
- Appetizers (tomatoes-dressing-tomatoes, etc.) are laid out in layers in pre-sterilized jars.
- Each layer is poured with a small amount of oil.
- When the jar is full, add oil to cover the tomatoes.
After 2 weeks, the tomatoes will be saturated and can be served.
Italian bread with dried tomatoes, rosemary and green olives
Lovers of aromatic pastries will find it impossible to resist this recipe for Italian bread with dried tomatoes, rosemary and green olives.
Take 12 pieces of olives and black olives, as well as 10 dried tomatoes, finely chop them. In a separate bowl, knead the dough: sift 500 g of flour, 10 g of sugar and salt, and 15 g of dry yeast. Stir. Make a well in the flour and add 250 ml of warm water, knead the dough well.
Then add a mixture of tomatoes, olives and olives to the resulting mass and stir until a homogeneous silky structure is obtained. Shape the bread; it should hold its shape well. Form a loaf, cover with a cotton towel and place in a warm, dry place until the dough has doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and place the bread there. When a crust forms on it, reduce the temperature to 150 degrees and leave until ready.
Remember to periodically change the position of the bread to ensure even baking. Then turn off the oven, open the door slightly and leave the bread to “breathe” for 3-5 minutes - this will make it crispy on top, but tender and soft inside.
Salad recipe with sun-dried tomatoes
For lovers of light, fresh summer salads, there is a wonderful recipe for a salad with sun-dried tomatoes, which is quite suitable for a vegetarian diet.
- Cut 100 g olives and 50 g sun-dried tomatoes into halves. Place 100 g of arugula in a bowl.
- To dress the salad, mix 10 ml lemon juice, salt and sugar to taste, 30 ml olive oil and 10 ml balsamic vinegar.
- Toss the salad with olives and tomatoes, add the chopped red onion, and then the dressing. You can sprinkle grated or thinly sliced Parmesan cheese on top.
Conclusion
Sun-dried tomatoes are a wonderful dish that gives you the opportunity to feel the breath of summer even in the cold winter.Added as an ingredient to any dish or served on its own, it is always a small masterpiece in your kitchen.