How to make dried tomatoes with your own hands: a selection of the best ways to harvest tomatoes at home

What a lot of dishes are made from tomatoes! This juicy and tasty fruit allows you to realize a flight of imagination of both an experienced and a novice cook, because there is nothing difficult in their preparation. Despite the variety of recipes, in Russia the main tomato dishes are salted tomatoes (barrel), lecho, tomato paste.

But if you visit Italy, Spain, Greece and other Mediterranean countries, it will be hard not to try Sun-dried tomatoes, which are added to almost all dishes. This spicy delicacy can take its rightful place on your table: in the article you will find the best variations of recipes for making dried tomatoes.

Are there any benefits of sun-dried tomatoes?

The healthiest product is fresh, so nothing can replace a tomato just picked from the garden. This does not mean giving up other variations and culinary experiences with this vegetable, since the drying (drying) process, unlike boiling or stewing, allows you to preserve the maximum useful properties. And this suggests that dried tomato is rich in dietary fiber, di- and monosaccharides, and as a result, improves the functioning of the digestive system.

Note... The calorie content of sun-dried tomatoes is relatively low - only 258 kcal per 100 grams of product, of which 14.1 g of protein, 3.0 g of fat and 43.5 g of carbohydrates in the BJU ratio. Therefore, they can be safely added to their diet by people who monitor nutrition and body.

Dried tomatoes contain a lot of potassium, its regular use is preventive in relation to vision problems, reduces the risk of blood clots in blood vessels. They also help to remove excess moisture from the body, prevent the occurrence of edema.

Sun-dried tomatoes have a beneficial effect on the nervous system and, according to some studies, act as natural antidepressants, because they contain a lot of serotonin. Plus to all of the above - an improvement in potency in men who include sun-dried tomatoes in their diet on a regular basis.

The useful properties of this product are really extensive, but try not to forget that the product brings true benefits only with its moderate use, so we recommend that you refrain from abuse them, even if they are very tasty sun-dried tomatoes!

How to choose the right tomatoes for drying

When choosing the right tomatoes for drying, you should pay attention to the fruits of medium size, not too juicy and necessarily red, since pink or yellow tomatoes contain more moisture. Give preference not to greenhouse tomatoes, but to those that have grown in the garden in an open space.

Of course, given the conditions of city life, this is often problematic. Therefore, it is better to deal with the problem of preparing tomatoes for further drying in the summer, when there is an opportunity to purchase garden fruits.

On a note... Remember that when dried, about 90% of the weight goes away, this is a defining feature when choosing the size of a tomato. Also, choose a tomato ripe, without dents, spots and signs of rotting.

Preparation for drying

For drying, you need a clean fruit: wash, remove the roots, cut along or across into several parts, try to remove the seeds. The peel should not be removed, as it helps to keep the product in shape.

To prepare the vegetables themselves for the drying process, they are washed, the roots are removed, cut across in small rings or lengthwise into several parts. Make the slices small so that the water evaporates faster.

Attention... It is advisable to leave the peel - although this will increase the cooking time, it will allow the tomatoes to keep their shape.

Is it necessary to remove the liquid core when drying tomatoes

This is probably the most common question. However, there is no definite answer to this question. If the core is not removed, then the product will dry longer in time, but this does not have a particular effect on the taste.

How tomatoes are dried and dried

There are many ways to dry and dry tomatoes. And this allows you to choose the best option that meets your requirements in terms of time, place and ambient climate. Technological progress has given us special dryers that can turn the kitchen of any home into an Italian courtyard where tomatoes are dried.

However, no one will forbid you to choose classic recipes and want to dry according to all the rules. Regardless of which method is chosen, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the variety of cooking options, including how to make dried tomatoes and dry tomatoes for the winter at home

How to dry tomatoes outdoors

If you have 4 to 10 days in stock, and the natural conditions have bright sun and dry weather, feel free to choose the easiest and cheapest way - to air dry.

Parts of tomatoes are laid out on a special surface (baking sheet, wire rack, etc.) and covered with gauze or a net from insects and debris. Be sure to salt them generously to avoid spoiling the product.

It is necessary to turn the tomatoes over several times a day, so they dry out evenly, and bring them into the room at night in order to prevent dampness. At the end of drying, put them in a warm oven for a while, so they will acquire a more pronounced aroma and taste.

Simple drying of tomatoes in an electric dryer

The electric dryer can cook a meal in just 10 hours! How to dry tomatoes in an electric dryer? The cut tomatoes are sprinkled with herbs and spices and sent to the dryer cut up for a specified period of time with a temperature of about 70 degrees. It is necessary to change trays in places every 2 hours for a uniform drying process.

For tomato cooking, the drying and drying processes are approximately the same. But remember that a sun-dried tomato is softer and more elastic, while a dried tomato is fragile and brittle.

Oven drying option

If an electric dryer is not available, and the climate or season does not allow the tomatoes to dry under the sun, then they cook in the oven. The method is very simple: set the temperature to 120 degrees and send the tomatoes for about 4-6 hours, periodically checking the drying (drying) process.

Note... Cooking time depends on the power of the oven, as well as the quality of the finished dish.

In the microwave

Another easy home cooking method is in the microwave. To get tomatoes that are as close as possible in quality and taste to dried in the sun, it is better to cook them in three stages.

First, cut the tomatoes and sprinkle with the desired seasoning, then send them to the microwave for about 5-6 minutes on high power. Remove them and drain the resulting juice, and then cool. Leave them in the microwave again for the second time, remove and let cool. And repeat this process a third time.

How to store sun-dried tomatoes

It is important not only to properly dry the tomatoes, but also to provide the necessary storage conditions. This will help preserve the freshness of products and their nutritional value for as long as possible, and will also allow you to delight yourself with this dish all year round.

The abundance of methods makes it possible to choose the most convenient one, but we will focus on only a few options.

Method of storing tomatoes in oil

This method is the most reliable. Sun-dried tomatoes are put in a jar and poured with high-quality olive oil with the addition of the necessary seasonings and spices. Be careful, because if excess moisture remains in the vegetables, the dish will not be stored for long due to the combination of oil and water.

Therefore, the main recommendation for those who want to store tomatoes in oil is to dry them thoroughly. Also, it will not be superfluous to comply with the rules for pasteurizing glass jars.

There are many ways to sterilize a container: in a water bath, in an oven. The process will help get rid of bacteria. Salt and vinegar are added to the jar, which also help fight germs.

From the moment the can is opened, it is better to eat tomatoes within 2-3 weeks.

Without oil

The dried dish is stored on its own without any additives. To do this, purchase a vacuum bag or a zip-lock bag. It is believed that storage in vacuum bags is safe, since germs do not get there.

Read also:

How to cook pumpkin jam properly: the most delicious recipes for the winter.

Top 15 most delicious canned tomato recipes: how to salt tomatoes.

The best quick recipes for pickled beets.

Canning dried tomatoes

For lovers of real, saturated and almost soaked with the Italian sun, sun-dried tomatoes, we offer a recipe for canned dried tomatoes that will decorate any table.

Preparation:

1. Rinse the required amount of tomatoes and wipe dry, cut, preferably remove the core.
2. Place the chopped tomatoes on a baking sheet with parchment.
3. Sprinkle chopped vegetables with a mixture of salt, sugar, pepper, basil, garlic and any other spices and put them in the oven for 15 minutes at 150 degrees, and then lower the temperature to 100 degrees and leave to dry for 4-5 hours with slightly open oven door (to release excess moisture).
4. We recommend taking small jars for preservation, in which the product is enough for one or two uses. Sterilize them first.
5. Put the finished tomatoes in a jar and cover with hot oil, you can add spices to taste. The oil should completely hide the tomatoes.
6. Close with a sterilized lid and sterilize for an additional 10 minutes in a saucepan.
7. Then turn the jars over with the lids down and leave to cool for a day.

The final stage is to remove it to a secluded, dark, dry place, hidden from hungry prying eyes!

Dried Tomatoes: Cooking Uses

Dried tomatoes are used as an ingredient in a number of dishes.

Dried Italian tomatoes with butter and cheese

If you cooked sun-dried tomatoes yourself or purchased a ready-made version, then an extremely simple, but at the same time incredibly tasty recipe - sun-dried tomatoes with butter and cheese. Arrange the tomatoes on a plate, chop up the mozzarella, whose delicate and creamy flavor matches perfectly with the tart tomato flavor, and then garnish with fresh lettuce and basil.

Spicy sun-dried tomatoes in oil with vinegar (Sicilian recipe)

The Sicilian recipe for sun-dried tomatoes gives the latter a sharp, bright taste. To prepare this dish, you will need tomatoes dried in any of the ways, as well as a Sicilian marinade.

Attention... The recipe is based on 12 kg of fresh (!!!) tomatoes.

Ingredients for the marinade:

• vinegar (0.6 l);
• water (0.5 l);
• bay leaf (4 pieces)

Preparing the marinade:

1. Combine ingredients and simmer.
2. Dip the tomatoes in the marinade and cook for about 12 minutes.
3. Then, use a colander to drain off excess water, put the tomatoes on a towel and leave to dry for 8-9 hours.

Dressing preparation:

1. For dressing, combine chopped herbs (oregano and thyme), finely chopped hot peppers (no seeds) and garlic.
2. In pre-sterilized jars, a snack is laid out in layers (tomatoes-dressing-tomatoes, etc.).
3. Each layer is poured with a little oil.
4. When the can is full, add oil to hide the tomatoes.

After 2 weeks the tomatoes are soaked and can be served.

Italian bread with dried tomatoes, rosemary and green olives

Lovers of aromatic pastries cannot resist the recipe for Italian bread with dried tomatoes, rosemary and green olives.

Take 12 olives and olives, as well as 10 dried tomatoes, finely chop them. In a separate bowl, knead the dough: sift 500 g of flour, 10 g each of sugar and salt, and 15 g of dry yeast. Stir. Make a well in the flour and add 250 ml of warm water, knead the dough well.

Then add a mixture of tomatoes, olives and olives to the resulting mass and mix until a homogeneous silky texture is obtained. Mold the bread, it should keep its shape well. Form a loaf, cover with a cotton towel and store in a warm, dry place where the dough should rise in half.

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and send the bread there. When a crust forms on it, reduce the temperature to 150 degrees and leave until tender.

Remember to periodically change the position of the bread for even baking. Then turn off the oven, open the door slightly and let the bread “breathe” for 3-5 minutes - this will make it crispy on top, but tender and soft on the inside.

Sun-dried tomato salad recipe

For lovers of light fresh summer salads, there is a wonderful salad recipe with sun-dried tomatoes, which is quite suitable for the diet of vegetarians.

1. Cut 100 g olives and 50 g sun-dried tomatoes into halves. Place 100 g of arugula in a bowl.
2. For salad dressing, combine 10 ml of lemon juice, salt and sugar to taste, 30 ml of olive oil and 10 ml of balsamic vinegar.
3. Toss the salad with the olives and tomatoes, add the chopped red onions, and then the dressing. Sprinkle on top with grated or finely sliced ​​Parmesan.

Conclusion

Sun-dried tomatoes are an excellent dish that makes it possible to feel the breath of summer even in cold winter. Whether added as an ingredient to a dish or served on its own, it's always a little masterpiece in your kitchen.