Harvesting a bountiful crop of tomatoes opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Here are some fantastic things you can do with your tomato harvest:
- Fresh Tomato Dishes:
- Enjoy the vibrant flavor of freshly harvested tomatoes in salads, salsas, and bruschettas. Combine them with fresh herbs, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt for a simple yet delicious treat.
- Sauces and Salsas:
- Create rich and flavorful tomato sauces for pasta, pizza, and other dishes. You can make classic marinara, tomato-basil sauce, or even experiment with roasted tomato salsa.
- See the National Center for Home Food Preservation’s site for more information on canning and a ton of recipes!
- Canning and Preserving:
- Preserve your harvest by canning whole or diced tomatoes, tomato sauces, and salsas. Canned tomatoes can be used throughout the year in various recipes.
- Tomato Soups:
- Whip up comforting tomato soups, whether creamy or chunky. Pair them with grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic combination.
- Dried Tomatoes:
- Make your own sun-dried tomatoes by drying them in the sun or using an oven or food dehydrator. These concentrated bursts of flavor can be used in salads, pasta, and as pizza toppings.
- Tomato Jams and Chutneys:
- Experiment with tomato jams and chutneys, which can add a unique twist to your meals. They pair well with cheese platters and roasted meats.
- Freezing:
- If you’re short on time, consider freezing tomatoes. You can blanch and peel them before freezing, and they can be used later in cooked dishes like stews and sauces.
- Tomato Juice:
- Blend and strain tomatoes to make your own fresh tomato juice. You can enjoy it on its own or use it as a base for cocktails and mocktails.
- Stuffed Tomatoes:
- Hollow out larger tomatoes and stuff them with rice, quinoa, vegetables, and herbs. Bake them for a tasty and wholesome meal.
- Fermented Foods:
- Experiment with lacto-fermentation to create tomato-based ferments like salsa, kimchi, or even this fermented ketchup from The Prairie Homestead.
- Homemade Ketchup:
- Make your own ketchup using ripe tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices. Customize the flavors to your liking.
- Tomato Powder:
- Create tomato powder by dehydrating and grinding tomatoes. This powder can be used as a seasoning, in sauces, or to add flavor to soups and stews.
- Tomato Infused Oil:
- Infuse olive oil with tomatoes and herbs to create a flavorful oil for drizzling over salads, bread, or pasta.
- Tomato-Based Curries and Stews:
- Use tomatoes as a base for curries, stews, and chili. They add depth and richness to these dishes.
- Gifts and Sharing:
- Share your tomato harvest with friends and family! You can just give them fresh tomatoes or make homemade tomato-based gifts like sauces, salsas, or jams.
Remember, the possibilities are virtually endless when it comes to using your tomato harvest. Get creative in the kitchen and savor the flavors of your hard-earned harvest throughout the year.