Elaine GordonTo truly enjoy roasted tomatoes, you need to consider what complements them best. Pair them with a classic pasta dish, toss them into a salad, or serve them alongside grilled meats. The brightness of roasted tomatoes can elevate any simple meal.
Imagine mixing them into a creamy risotto, where their sweetness contrasts beautifully with the rich, cheesy base. Or, layer them in a fresh sandwich, alongside mozzarella and basil. The possibilities are endless.
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Ah, Friday. The light at the end of the workweek tunnel. After a long week, it’s the time to kick back, relax, and, most importantly, enjoy some good food. I’ve made it a personal tradition to unwind each Friday with what I’ve come to call my “Friday Faves.” It’s a weekly celebration of deliciousness. One star ingredient always makes an appearance: easy roasted tomatoes. These little wonders can transform any dish and are super simple to make. Ready to dive into my Friday Faves? Let’s get started!
What Are Friday Faves and Easy Roasted Tomatoes?
Friday Faves are simply my favorite meals, snacks, or recipes I gravitate towards as the weekend approaches. It’s a personal ritual of culinary enjoyment, and easy roasted tomatoes have secured a permanent spot on my list. Roasting tomatoes not only enhances their flavor but also brings out their natural sweetness. With minimal effort, you can turn humble tomatoes into a flavorful topping, side dish, or main event.
What Is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
Roasted tomatoes offer a delightful explosion of tangy sweetness combined with an earthy depth. The high heat of roasting removes excess moisture, concentrating the flavors. When you bite into them, you’ll notice a burst of sweetness, with hints of caramelization and slightly acidic undertones. Coupled with herbs like thyme, they sing harmoniously with both savory and sweet dishes alike. This duality makes them incredibly versatile, fitting into numerous cuisines and recipes effortlessly.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Roasted Tomato Recipes?
What sets my easy roasted tomatoes apart is their uncomplicated nature. No frills, no fuss — just fresh ingredients that sing. Many recipes call for complex marinades; however, this one focuses solely on the tomatoes’ inherent flavors, enhanced with a touch of good olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of thyme. It’s about celebrating what’s fresh and in season. Moreover, the simplicity allows for easy adaptation, meaning you can make it your own every time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create a dish that is straightforward yet bursting with flavor, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 small shallot, thinly sliced (providing a mild, sweet onion note)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Extra-virgin olive oil, enough to lightly coat the tomatoes
- 2 pounds cherry or grape tomatoes (select any small, flavorful variety like Campari or plum for best results)
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, dried can be used in a pinch but fresh is always better
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the sweet spot for roasting — hot enough to create that lovely caramelization but not so hot that the tomatoes burn.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes
Rinse and dry your tomatoes. Cut them in half lengthwise and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Flavor the Tomatoes
Add the thinly sliced shallots to the bowl with the tomatoes. Drizzle a generous splash of extra-virgin olive oil over the mixture. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. This step ensures that flavors permeate each slice.
Step 4: Add Thyme
Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves into the bowl. Thyme adds a delicate herbaceous flavor that pairs beautifully with roasted tomatoes. Mix again gently.
Step 5: Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Spread the coated tomatoes cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave space between each tomato. This allows the heat to circulate and aids in even cooking.
Step 6: Roast Away
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Roast for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have shriveled slightly and centered around the sweetness.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the tomatoes from the oven. Let them cool slightly, then serve as a side dish, on top of pasta, or alongside grilled proteins. The versatility here is a game-changer.
Tips on Making Friday Faves and Easy Roasted Tomatoes
To make sure you nail this roasted tomato dish every time, consider these tips:
- Choose Quality Tomatoes: The better the tomato, the better the end result. Look for vibrant, ripe options.
- Don’t Skip the Salt: Salt draws out moisture and enhances the tomato’s flavor, so don’t be shy.
- Experiment with Herbs: While thyme is wonderful, feel free to experiment with rosemary or oregano for different flavor profiles.
- Control the Roast Time: Keep an eye on the tomatoes toward the end of their cooking time. Every oven is different.
- Save the Juice: The delicious juices left on the baking sheet can be drizzled over the finished dish for an extra flavor kick.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of these easy roasted tomatoes offers a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene, which is well-known for its potential health benefits.
Here’s a rough estimate for a serving size (about 1/2 cup):
How Can I Store These Easy Roasted Tomatoes?
Leftover roasted tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. They can also be frozen for longer storage—just spread them out on a baking sheet after they cool down so they don’t stick together, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
Substitute Options for Ingredients
Sometimes you might find yourself short on a particular ingredient. Here are some handy substitutes:
- Shallots: If you don’t have shallots, onions can work in a pinch, though they are more pungent. Thinly slice them and use sparingly.
- Olive Oil: If you lack olive oil, avocado oil is an excellent alternative, providing a similar texture and flavor.
- Kosher Salt: If kosher salt isn’t on hand, sea salt or table salt can substitute. Just use a bit less if using table salt as it’s finer.
- Thyme: In case you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works as an alternative, though it’s more potent. Use about one-third the amount specified for fresh.
Friday Faves And Easy Roasted Tomatoes Recipe
Equipment
- A large mixing bowl, pre-heated oven
Ingredients
- 1 small shallot
- Kosher salt
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 pounds cherry or grape tomatoes
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the sweet spot for roasting — hot enough to create that lovely caramelization but not so hot that the tomatoes burn.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes
- Rinse and dry your tomatoes. Cut them in half lengthwise and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Flavor the Tomatoes
- Add the thinly sliced shallots to the bowl with the tomatoes. Drizzle a generous splash of extra-virgin olive oil over the mixture. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. This step ensures that flavors permeate each slice.
Step 4: Add Thyme
- Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves into the bowl. Thyme adds a delicate herbaceous flavor that pairs beautifully with roasted tomatoes. Mix again gently.
Step 5: Arrange on a Baking Sheet
- Spread the coated tomatoes cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave space between each tomato. This allows the heat to circulate and aids in even cooking.
Step 6: Roast Away
- Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Roast for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have shriveled slightly and centered around the sweetness.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove the tomatoes from the oven. Let them cool slightly, then serve as a side dish, on top of pasta, or alongside grilled proteins. The versatility here is a game-changer.
Notes
- Choose Quality Tomatoes: The better the tomato, the better the end result. Look for vibrant, ripe options.
- Don’t Skip the Salt: Salt draws out moisture and enhances the tomato’s flavor, so don’t be shy.
- Experiment with Herbs: While thyme is wonderful, feel free to experiment with rosemary or oregano for different flavor profiles.
- Control the Roast Time: Keep an eye on the tomatoes toward the end of their cooking time. Every oven is different.
- Save the Juice: The delicious juices left on the baking sheet can be drizzled over the finished dish for an extra flavor kick.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of tomatoes?
Certainly! While cherry and grape tomatoes are ideal, you can use any small, flavorful variety. Roma or plum tomatoes work well too; just adjust your roasting time since they may take slightly longer.
2. How can I enhance the flavor more?
Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist. Or sprinkle on some feta cheese just before serving for a savory kick.
3. Can I cook these tomatoes on the grill?
Absolutely! If grilling, use a grill-safe pan or basket to prevent them from falling through the grates.
4. How do I know when roasted tomatoes are done?
They should be slightly wrinkled, caramelized, and fragrant. Check for a soft texture but not mushy.
5. Are there ways to use leftover roasted tomatoes?
Leftover roasted tomatoes can be added to pastas, salads, or sandwiches. They also make an excellent bruschetta topping.
Conclusion
Friday Faves are more than just meals; they’re the small joys that make our weeks brighter, especially when capped off with the charm of easy roasted tomatoes. These tomatoes showcase the beauty of simplicity in cooking. With just a few ingredients, they become a versatile companion on your dinner table. Whether you’re spooning them over pasta, tossing them in salads, or enjoying them solo, they add a burst of flavor that truly shines. Who knew that the humble tomato could be so transformative? Here’s to many more Fridays filled with delightful dishes. Cheers!
