Learn how to make flavorful sun-dried tomatoes at home with this easy recipe. Sun-dried tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes like salads, pasta, sandwiches, and more. This recipe will guide you through the process of drying your own tomatoes and achieving that intense, concentrated flavor that makes sun-dried tomatoes so special. With a few simple steps, you can have a jar of delicious homemade sun-dried tomatoes ready to elevate your recipes.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds of ripe tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C).
- Slice the tomatoes in half vertically and remove the seeds.
- Place the halved tomatoes on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Sprinkle the salt and sugar over the tomatoes.
- If desired, sprinkle some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary over the tomatoes for added flavor.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let the tomatoes dry for about 10 hours.
- Check the tomatoes occasionally to ensure they are drying evenly and not burning.
- Once the tomatoes are dry and leathery, remove them from the oven and let them cool.
- Store the sun-dried tomatoes in a sterilized jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for longer preservation.
Interesting Facts
Sun-dried tomatoes have a more concentrated flavor than fresh tomatoes, making them perfect for adding a burst of tomato flavor to your dishes.
Sun-dried tomatoes are a great source of antioxidants and vitamins like vitamin C and lycopene.
While you can buy sun-dried tomatoes from the store, making them at home allows you to control the quality of the tomatoes and the ingredients used.