Stewed Tomatoes: A Delicious and Flavorful Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup of vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon of tomato paste

Steps and instructions

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Score a small "X" on the bottom of each tomato and blanch them in the boiling water for about 30 seconds.
  2. Remove the tomatoes from the boiling water and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This will help loosen the skin.
  3. Once cooled, peel the skin off the tomatoes and discard. Chop the tomatoes into small chunks.
  4. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
  5. Add the chopped tomatoes, sugar, salt, black pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to combine.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the vegetable or chicken broth with the tomato paste until well blended. Pour the broth mixture into the pot with the tomatoes.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stewed tomatoes simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. After 30 minutes, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  9. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes uncovered to allow the stewed tomatoes to thicken slightly.
  10. Remove from heat and let the stewed tomatoes cool slightly before serving.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - To chop and prepare the fresh tomatoes and onion.
  • Knife - For cutting and dicing the tomatoes, onion, and garlic.
  • Large pot - To cook and simmer the stewed tomatoes.
  • Wooden spoon - For stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot.
  • Small bowl - To mix the broth and tomato paste together before adding to the pot.
  • Measuring spoons - For precise measurement of sugar, salt, black pepper, basil, oregano, and thyme.
  • Ladle - To serve the stewed tomatoes into bowls or containers.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our recipe page for stewed tomatoes! In this recipe, we'll show you how to make a delicious and flavorful dish using fresh tomatoes. Stewed tomatoes are a versatile and comforting addition to many meals. Whether you enjoy them as a side dish, use them as a base for sauces, or add them to soups and stews, these tomatoes will surely elevate your cooking. Our stewed tomatoes are made with a combination of ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. The tomatoes are blanched to remove the skin, then cooked down with the other ingredients to create a rich and savory flavor. The addition of tomato paste and broth gives the stewed tomatoes a depth of taste that can be adjusted to your liking. Throughout the cooking process, you'll experience the wonderful aroma of the herbs and spices permeating your kitchen. The end result is a thick and hearty tomato dish that is bursting with flavor. The stewed tomatoes can be enjoyed immediately, or stored for later use in your favorite recipes. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create a batch of homemade stewed tomatoes that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to savor the taste of ripe and tender tomatoes infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Let's get started!

Common questions

  1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes? Yes, you can use canned tomatoes as a substitute. Use 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) of diced tomatoes, and make sure to drain them before adding them to the pot.
  2. Can I use other herbs or spices? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe to your taste. You can add herbs like rosemary or parsley, or spices like paprika or cayenne pepper to enhance the flavor.
  3. Can I freeze the stewed tomatoes? Yes, stewed tomatoes can be frozen for future use. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  4. Can I double the recipe? Certainly! If you need to make a larger batch, you can double or triple the ingredients accordingly. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
  5. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? Yes, you can use either vegetable broth or chicken broth based on your preference or dietary needs. Both will work well in this recipe.
  6. Can I add meat to the stewed tomatoes? Absolutely! You can add cooked meat such as diced chicken, ground beef, or Italian sausage to make it heartier. Just make sure to cook the meat separately and add it during the simmering stage.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting Board - A sturdy cutting surface to chop the tomatoes and dice the onion.
  • Chef's Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the tomatoes and mincing the garlic.
  • Large Pot - A pot big enough to hold all the ingredients and allow for simmering.
  • Wooden Spoon - A wooden spoon for stirring the stewed tomatoes while they simmer.
  • Measuring Spoons - To accurately measure the spices and seasonings.
  • Bowl - A bowl to hold the ice water for blanching the tomatoes.
  • Potato Peeler - If desired, a peeler can be used to help remove the tomato skins.
  • Small Bowl - To mix the broth and tomato paste together before adding to the pot.
  • Ladle - For serving the stewed tomatoes into bowls or containers.
  • Storage Containers - If there are any leftovers, storage containers will be useful for storing them in the refrigerator.

Origin stories

Stewed tomatoes have been a popular dish in many cuisines for centuries. Originating from the Mediterranean region, where tomatoes are native, this method of cooking tomatoes was traditionally used as a way to preserve and extend their shelf life. The slow simmering process helps to intensify the flavors of the tomatoes and create a rich and savory sauce. Today, stewed tomatoes are enjoyed in various dishes and culinary traditions around the world, adding a delicious burst of tomato flavor to soups, stews, pasta sauces, and more.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.