Spoiled by summertime tomatoes? We are too. But there is a way to enjoy tomatoes even on the coldest days of winter. Slow roasting can coax an impressive amount of sweet, sublime flavor from grape tomatoes. We've compiled four recipes using these little powerhouses of deliciousness. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can enjoy tomatoes year round.
Slow Roasted Tomatoes
2 or 3 pints grape tomatoes
2-3 Tbl (a couple of good glugs) Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sonoma Gourmet Kosher Flake Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Preheat oven to 275˚F. In a medium bowl toss together the tomatoes with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour tomatoes onto a foil-lined baking sheet (with sides). Place on middle rack in oven and roast for 60-90 minutes. Remove from oven. Shake pan vigorously to roll tomatoes around. Replace pan in oven and cook another 30 minutes, until tomatoes are slightly charred and most of the liquid has cooked away. Let cool.
Tomato and Olive Relish
1 cup slow roasted tomatoes (previous recipe)
1/4 cup olive salad mix (we love Central Grocery's Olive Salad)
1 tsp lemon zest or preserved lemon
1 Tbl capers, rinsed and chopped
1 Tbl Olio Nuovo
1 Tbl Balsamico Tradizionale
Freshly ground black pepper
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Mix together and chill for at least one hour before serving. This is good on anything. We've served it on crostini, but it’s delicious on just about everything. Including just a spoon. Or your finger. Also makes a great accompaniment to baked fish or chicken.
Tomato Tahini Dip
1 cup slow roasted tomatoes (first recipe above)
3 Tbl lemon juice
3 Tbl tahini
3 Tbl greek yogurt
1 Tbl Lemon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into a small bowl and chill for at least an hour before serving. Serve with pita chips.
Caprese Salad
1 cup slow roasted tomatoes (first recipe above)
1 cup Cieligne (mini-mozzarella balls), drained
1 Tbl fresh basil, chopped
1 Tbl Oilo Nuovo
1 1/2 tsp Balsamico Tradizionale
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Carefully mix all ingredients together in a small bowl, being careful not to break up tomatoes. Chill at least one hour before serving. Serve as a salad or as a side dish.