Sweet, juicy, and incredibly versatile - tomato reigns supreme in our kitchens, and how!
We won't delve into those age-old debates on whether tomato is a fruit or a vegetable. Let's forget all that, and focus simply on what it brings to the table. Well, first of all, it's packed with nature's goodness - rich in everything from fiber to protein to potassium to carotenes and carotenoids to vitamin C to vitamin K and more. And as studies have confirmed, regular consumption may improve heart health, support healthy skin, protect the eyes, and reduce inflammation. And the best thing about tomatoes? Obviously, it fits into every type of meal and can elevate any dish to a whole new level. Whether you need a quick snack, are craving some savory items, or are up for some tempting dessert - it never lets you down. So, in this article, let's explore some amazing tomato recipes that you simply cannot resist.
Tomato has been cherished for centuries, and hence there are many common recipes that you can enjoy regularly.
Tomato Salad: The list has to begin with Tomato Salad - because it's too popular to ignore. To prepare the classic one, you need tomatoes, garlic, red onions, basil, vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
First, slice the tomatoes and place them in a bowl. Add sliced red onions, sprinkle minced garlic and basil leaves, and drizzle extra virgin olive oil all over them. Now, add salt and black pepper, and toss everything together with a spoon or fork. Let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes, and then serve. It can be enjoyed both as a main dish and a side dish.
Notably, tomatoes can be made into several varieties of salad, such as Greek Tomato Salad, Hasselback Tomato Caprese Salad, Tomato Avocado Salad, Heirloom Tomato Salad, Mexican Tomato Salad, etc.
Tomato Curry: There are various ways to prepare Tomato Curry, and you may already know some of them. But here, we'llshare an interesting recipe that suits every taste bud.
For this, you need chopped tomatoes, red chilies, garlic, chopped onions, grated coconut, mustard seeds, curry leaves, cumin seeds, oil, salt, turmeric powder, and water.
First, heat some oil in a pan on medium heat; add salt, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds. Stir until all these change their colors, and then add chopped onions and continue stirring. Once the onions turn golden brown, add the curry leaves, garlic, and red chilies, and mix properly. After 30 seconds, add the chopped tomatoes and grated coconut, and add some water. Season with salt as required. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, and then serve hot alongside rice.
Credit: seemagetsbaked
Tomato Chutney: A humble Tomato Chutney can be an amazing dessert after a heavy Indian meal. And you can go creative, add a few more ingredients, and make it even more delicious.
Besides some ripe tomatoes, you also need chopped dates (khejur), dried mango slices (amsotwo), salt, sugar, turmeric powder, mustard seeds, dried red chilies, red chili powder,oil, and water.
Tomato chutney is one of the most beautiful and versatile condiments for food. It’s great in sandwiches or burgers, with cheese or curries. It’s also so easy to make!
— Adam James Pollock (@aIIegoricaI) August 22, 2024
In this thread I’ll show you how to make it! pic.twitter.com/ZWfxoC7UiI
Credit: Adam James Pollock
First, heat oil in a pan over medium flame. Add salt, mustard seeds, and dried red chilies, and let them crackle for a few seconds. Then, add turmeric powder and red chili powder, and stir for a few minutes. Now, add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy. Add the chopped dates, dried mango slices, and sugar, and pour in water as required. Let the whole thing simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it achieves a thick consistency. Once done, let it cool and serve as dessert.
Tomato Pancake: If you are in for some classic pancakes but with a twist - definitely go for Tomato Pancake. It's not only delicious but is also good for a nutritional boost.
To prepare this, you need ripe tomatoes, all-purpose flour, milk, oregano, basil, ground black pepper, sugar, salt, butter, and cheese.
First, blend the tomatoes with water, and then strain to remove the skin and seeds. In a bowl, mix this tomato juice with flour, milk, sugar, basil, oregano, black pepper, and sugar. Add some water and salt (as required) and stir until you get a thick and smooth batter. Now, add some grated cheese and mix again. On the other hand, place a non-stick skillet over medium heat, and add a little amount of butter all over it. Then pour the batter onto the skillet and spread it with a spoon to create the form of a pancake. Cook for a few minutes, and when the edges look set, flip and cook for another few minutes. Once done (golden brown in color), take it out and serve hot.
Credit: cookwiidaneri
Tomato Ice Cream with Basil: As I told you earlier, you can make any delicious dish out of tomatoes. And yes, it could be ice cream as well!
To prepare this unique ice cream, you need milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt besides ripe tomatoes and Basil leaves.
First, boil the tomatoes for about 10 minutes, and then peel off the skin and remove the seeds. Blend them until you get a smooth and thick paste. Now, mix milk, sugar, and cream, and warm it over medium heat so that the sugar dissolves. Add Basil leaves to the mixture and let the whole thing cook for about 10 minutes. Add tomato paste, vanilla extract, and salt, and stir properly to mix all together. Once done, pour the mixture into a bowl (preferably an ice cream bowl) and refrigerate for around 3 hours. You can use an electric icecream maker for the best results. Once done, remove it and serve fresh.
And if you are still not satisfied and want to experiment more, go for Tomato Apple Crisp, Tomato Water Martini, and Tomato Granola.
