Ah, tomatoes—the unsung heroes of the garden. I remember last summer, plucking these ruby gems from my own backyard, their sun-warmed skins bursting with potential. Sure, you can toss them in a salad or slap them on a sandwich, but roasting them with garlic?
That’s where the magic happens. Their transformation is akin to the plot twists in a good novel—unexpected yet thoroughly satisfying.
Steps
- Preheat the oven to a high temperature of 450 degrees F to prepare for roasting the tomatoes.
- Cut smaller tomatoes, such as Campari, Roma, or plum, in halves or quarters depending on their size.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato halves with minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, fresh thyme, and your choice of spices, such as sumac and Aleppo pepper flakes.
- Drizzle a generous amount of quality extra virgin olive oil over the tomatoes and toss to ensure they are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Arrange the seasoned tomatoes, with the flesh side facing up, in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring direct contact with the hot pan for optimal roasting.
- Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until they are tender and have collapsed to your desired level of doneness.
- If serving immediately, garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for added flavor. Enjoy the roasted tomatoes warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
- 2 lb Smaller Tomatoes, halved (Campari tomatoes used)
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- 2 tsp fresh thyme, stems removed
- 1 tsp sumac
- 1/2 tsp dry chili pepper flakes (Aleppo Pepper, which is milder, used)
- Extra virgin olive oil (about 1/4 cup or more)
- Crumbled feta cheese, optional
FAQ
- What are the benefits of roasting tomatoes?
- Roasting tomatoes enhances their flavor, making them more intense and concentrated. Additionally, it boosts the availability of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, thereby increasing their nutritional value.
- What types of tomatoes are suitable for roasting?
- Most tomato varieties can be roasted, but it’s best to avoid large steak tomatoes. Campari, Roma, plum, cherry, and grape tomatoes are excellent choices. Smaller varieties like cherry or grape tomatoes can be roasted whole.
- How should I store roasted tomatoes?
- Roasted tomatoes can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed mason jar for 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 4 months. It’s best to bring them to room temperature before storing.
- What are some ways to use roasted tomatoes?
- Roasted tomatoes are versatile and can be used as a side dish, tossed with pasta, added to stews, or served bruschetta-style on toast. They can also be incorporated into soups or used as a topping for various dishes.
- How can I quickly roast tomatoes?
- For a faster roasting method, preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Halve or quarter the tomatoes, toss them with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, fresh thyme, and spices, and roast them for about 30 minutes until they are tender and flavorful.
Tips
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: For the best results, select smaller varieties like Campari, Roma, or plum tomatoes. If using larger tomatoes, cut them into quarters. Cherry or grape tomatoes can be roasted whole, but you might want to lower the oven temperature slightly.
- Avoid Parchment Paper: When arranging the seasoned tomatoes on the baking sheet, ensure they are in a single layer with the flesh side up, and avoid lining the pan with parchment paper. Direct contact with the hot pan helps intensify the roasting process.
- Make Extra for Later: Consider doubling or tripling the recipe to have roasted tomatoes on hand for future meals. Store them in a sealed mason jar in the fridge for 3-5 days or freeze them for up to four months. Just remember to omit any feta cheese if you plan on storing them.
- Season Generously: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, minced garlic, fresh thyme, and your choice of spices like sumac or Aleppo pepper flakes to coat the tomatoes for a rich, flavorful roast.
Equipment
- Roasted Tomatoes recipe that you might not normally have at home and may need to purchase:
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet with a rim (sheet pan)
