Slow-roasted tomatoes. Sounds like a smooth R & B group right? Lol. Have you ever bought too many tomatoes? You are not alone! It happens to me all the time. Tomatoes that take a long nap in the oven are transformed from lovely to exciting!
Slow-roasting is a simple process that unlocks a burst of flavor you never knew existed. It’s like discovering a secret sample shoe sale but way more flavorful. And the best part? It’s easy enough for busy people to give it a try.
The Simple Science of Slow-Roasted Tomatoes
Slow-roasting tomatoes is like sending them into the sauna at the spa. While they are soaking up the heat, their skins get all wrinkly and relaxed. While baking, the natural sugars ooze out of the tomatoes. The result? Flavor that’s hard to forget.
Making this dish does not require a lot of your time. The oven is where the magic happens. You have plenty of time as slow-roasting takes between 3 and 5 hours. How’s that for multi-tasking? I know! We all have so much to do!
Selecting the Perfect Tomatoes for Slow-Roasting
Slow-roasted tomatoes are born from average everyday tomatoes. The one requirement? Don’t use tomatoes that are too firm or too ripe. Consider this:
- Look for tomatoes that are bright in color and ready to eat
- Avoid any tomatoes with blemishes or soft spots
- Smell the tomatoes. Do they smell sweet?
- Use a cookie sheet large enough for the tomatoes to lay flat
You can use any version to create your own slow-roasted tomatoes. My favorites?
- Campari
- Roma
- Cherry
- Grape
My choice today? Midnight Roma Tomatoes. They have a deep red and purple hue which lets me know they are rich with antioxidants. Don’t forget, antioxidants help our bodies fight free radicals which can cause damage to our cells. Want more reasons to love slow-roasted tomatoes? Tomatoes offer vitamins A, B and C, potassium, lycopene and beta carotene.
Seasoning Your Tomatoes: A World of Flavors
When your slow-roasted tomatoes are done, you can add some seasoning to really take the experience up a notch. I typically opt for a little salt and pepper but feel free to add any of the combinations below:
- Savory: Garlic Powder and Onion Powder
- Aromatic: Basil, Thyme or Rosemary
- Spicy: Chili Oil or Roasted Red Pepper Flakes
Remember, just a pinch or two will do. Let the flavor shine. After all, the slow-roasted tomatoes are the star of the show!
From Oven to Table: Serving Ideas for Slow-Roasted Tomatoes
Alright, you’ve got a batch of beautifully slow-roasted tomatoes. Now what?
Here are a few ways to serve them up:
- Toss them into a bowl with other roasted vegetables
- Spread them on toast or pita for an after-school/work snack
- Stir them into pasta or rice and add a few other vegetables or lentils
- Blend them into a soup for a more interesting texture
You got this. So, get creative and let those slow-roasted tomatoes elevate your meals to a whole new level of yummy!
Storing Your Slow-Roasted Tomatoes for the Work Week
Let’s talk about storage. Because let’s face it, what’s the point of a great dish if we can’t take it to work? Slow-roasted tomatoes can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container. Want to keep them longer? No problem. You can freeze them for up to six months.
Remember to defrost them in the fridge overnight before using. And boom! You’ve got a stash of slow-roasted tomatoes ready to hook your meals up any time.
Here are a few quick and plant-powered ideas for lunch:
- Toss them in a bowl of salad greens with a drizzle of balsamic glaze
- Add them to your favorite bowl of pasta with a kiss of basil
- Wrap them in a tortilla with other veggies and your favorite dressing
The possibilities are endless. And the bonus? You’re not only satisfying your taste buds, but also nourishing your body with plant-based goodness.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Slow-Roasting
Slow-roasting tomatoes is pretty straightforward, but there are a few common mistakes to avoid. First, don’t rush the process. Slow and low is the way to go. Increasing the heat will only result in burnt tomatoes.
Don’t cover the tomatoes with foil. That will keep the moisture in and we don’t want that.
FAQs: Your Questions About Slow-Roasting Tomatoes Answered
Here are some of the most common questions I get.
- Will any type of tomato work? Absolutely! Just remember that tomatoes are mostly water so the larger the tomato, the longer it will take to roast up.
- How long do slow-roasted tomatoes last? Stored properly in the refrigerator, they can last up to a week.
- Can I freeze my tomatoes? Yes, you can! Freeze them for up to six months
- Are tomatoes a fruit? Yes, technically because they grow from the flower of a plant and they have seeds.
Put your apron on and let’s slow-roast some tomatoes together!
LA Dunn is a plant-based advocate who is always on the look out for fun and new ways to put more plants on her plate. She loves tomatoes. Check out her Tomato Cobbler recipe the next time you have more tomatoes than you need. Want to stay connected?
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