Sun dried tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can spruce up any meal. Learn how to make this tasty treat with our guide on easy steps!
Sun drying tomatoes is a traditional preservation method that has been used for centuries to prolong their shelf life and savor their gourmet flavor. Making sun dried tomatoes at home is a fantastic way to preserve the delicious taste of ripe, juicy tomatoes throughout the year.
Sun dried tomatoes compliment many dishes and are an excellent addition to salads, pastas, and pizzas. Not only do sun-dried tomatoes provide rich flavor, but they also have a high nutritional value, being low in calories, fat-free, and a good source of vitamins A and C. They are also packed with antioxidants, which are essential for maintaining good health.
With a little effort, anyone can make sun-dried tomatoes at home and enjoy the taste of fresh tomatoes all year round.
Read on for easy steps to make your own sun dried tomatoes!
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 kg tomatoes
- A pinch of sea salt
- Herbs and spices (optional)
| Prep Time | Cooking Time | Total Time | Serving |
| 5 Min | 7 Hr | 7.05 Hr | 20 |
- Course: Ingredient, Snack
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
HOW TO MAKE SUN DRIED TOMATOES
CHOOSE RIPE AND FIRM TOMATOES
Use firm ripe tomatoes to make your sun-dried tomatoes. Tomatoes should be at the peak of ripeness for best results, as over ripe tomatoes will likely become mushy when dried.
For best results, choose fresh tomatoes from a local farmer’s market or grocery store. Selecting them personally will ensure that you get the best tasting and freshest tomatoes available.
CUT THE TOMATOES INTO HALVES OR SLICES
After you have picked out your ripe tomatoes, the first step is to cut them before sun drying them. To do this, separate the tomatoes into halves or slices. Halves are great for chunky pasta dishes and salads, while slices are preferable if you will be using them in sandwich recipes or general cooking later on.
Choose whichever size you prefer because they each offer their own advantages. Slice the tomatoes about a quarter of an inch thick for best results.
ADD SEA SALT
Sprinkle a little sea salt. It helps get the extra moisture out and adds flavor to the tomatoes.
You can also add herbs and spices (optional) to your taste if you like.
3 WAYS TO MAKE SUN DRIED TOMATOES
DRYING TOMATOES IN SUNLIGHT
After you have sliced your tomatoes, place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Arrange the tomatoes in single layers on the baking sheet and make sure they are not overlapping. This will help the tomatoes dry evenly and reduce kitchen mess once they’re done. Put an additional layer of parchment paper on top of the tomatoes to allow maximum air flow between them.
Place the baking sheet in direct sunlight on your balcony or windowsill for two to four days or until they are completely dried out but still pliable (you can check this by pressing into one of the slices).
DRYING TOMATOES IN THE OVEN
Before beginning the drying process in the oven, it’s important to preheat the oven. Set to a temperature of around 140 degrees Fahrenheit for about 2 hours.
Place the tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and if you like lightly season them with salt, pepper, and herbs such as oregano or thyme.
Place the tray in the oven and leave to dry out for several hours, until they have shrunk in size and are dry to the touch but still pliable.
Be sure to check them periodically, turning them over every so often, and removing any that dry out before the others. Once they are done, store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer until ready to use.
DRYING TOMATOES IN A DEHYDRATOR
If you are using a dehydrator, Arrange the tomato slices on the dehydrator tray, making sure that they do not touch each other. Set the dehydrator to the recommended temperature (usually 135-145°F) and let it run for 6-12 hours or until the tomatoes are dry and chewy.
Check the progress every few hours and rotate the trays if necessary. Once the tomatoes are fully dried, remove them from the trays and let them cool down to room temperature.
Enjoy!
Also read: How To Make The Perfect Virgin Mojito
FAQ ABOUT SUN-DRIED TOMATOES
WHY MAKE SUN DRIED TOMATOES AT HOME?
Making sun dried tomatoes at home provides numerous benefits compared to buying them from the store.
Firstly, you can control the quality of the tomatoes and ensure that they are not treated with any harmful preservatives or chemicals.
Secondly, making them at home allows for customizable flavors and seasonings. You can add your preferred herbs and spices to the tomatoes as they are drying, resulting in a unique and personalized flavor.
Additionally, the process of sun drying the tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness and umami flavors, resulting in a richer taste than store-bought versions.
Finally, making sun dried tomatoes yourself is often less expensive than purchasing them, especially if you grow your tomatoes in your garden.
Overall, making sun dried tomatoes at home is a fun and rewarding experience that provides a healthier, more flavorful, and cost-effective alternative to buying them from the store.
WHICH TOMATOES ARE BEST FOR SUN DRYING?
When it comes to sun-drying tomatoes, the ideal type of tomato to use is meaty and has fewer seeds. This ensures that the tomato will not become too mushy during the drying process.
You can use any type and size of tomato. Make sure they are ripe and hard, and use the same size tomatoes in one batch.
Roma or San Marzano tomatoes are the best options as they have a lower moisture and are firm. These tomatoes are also elongated making them easier to cut into even slices.
Additionally, they have a sweeter flavor that intensifies after drying. It is important to note that it is best to use ripe, but not overripe tomatoes (tomatoes that are too ripe can become too soft and break apart during the process). It’s also helpful to slice the tomatoes at an even thickness to ensure that they dry properly without any rehydration.
HOW TO STORE SUN DRIED TOMATOES?
To store and preserve sun dried tomatoes, it’s important to keep them in a sealed container in a cool and dry place. This will help to prevent them from absorbing too much moisture and going bad.
It’s also a good idea to add a layer of oil to cover the tomatoes as an extra measure to keep them from drying out or becoming too tough.
You can also freeze sun-dried tomatoes by placing them in an airtight container in the freezer. This is a great option if you have a surplus of tomatoes and want to keep them for a longer period of time.
Follow these tips to ensure that your sun-dried tomatoes will last a long time and always be ready to add some tasty pizzazz to your meals.
HOW TO USE FROZEN SUN DRIED TOMATOES?
To use the frozen tomatoes, simply thaw them out in the refrigerator overnight. After that you can soak them in warm water for about 20 minutes. Then remove from water, pat dry or you can directly use them in your dishes and enjoy their delicious flavor in your favorite recipes.
HOW TO STORE SUN DRIED TOMETOES IN OIL?
Place the tomatoes in an air tight glass jar and fill it with olive oil until the tomatoes are completely submerged. Seal the jar tightly.
This way you can store them in the refrigerator for up to three months.
RECIPES WITH SUN DRIED TOMATOES
Sun dried tomatoes are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ways that you can use sun dried tomatoes in your cooking:
- Add them to pasta dishes for extra flavor and texture
- Use them in salads for a burst of flavor
- Blend them into dips or spreads
- Use them as a topping on pizza or flatbreads
- Chop them up and mix with cream cheese for a tasty spread
- Add them to omelettes or frittatas for a savory addition
- Create a savory sun dried tomatoes sauce for grilled meats or vegetables
- Use them as a garnish on soups or stews
To use sun dried tomatoes, you can soak them in hot water until they soften, or you can chop them up and use them straight out of the jar. Whatever your preference, sun dried tomatoes are a delicious and easy way to add flavor and depth to your cooking.
PRO TIP
- Use little salt as tomatoes will shrink when dried.
- Use parchment paper. (don’t use foil, as it can react with the tomatoes)
- Turn tomatoes over after a few hours.
- For storing in oil use glass jars. do not use metal jars.
NUTRITION FACTS FOR SUN DRIED TOMATOES RECIPE
Sun-dried tomatoes are low in calories and fat but high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.
They are also a good source of fiber, which can help to promote digestive health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
The drying process also preserves the antioxidants found in fresh tomatoes, which can help to protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
| NUTRITION FACT |
| Per Serving Cal: 14kcal Carbs: 3g Protein: 1g Fat: 1g Fiber: 1g |
CONCLUSION
There’s something special about homemade sun-dried tomatoes that you just can’t get from store bought varieties. Not only are they less expensive to make yourself, but they also have a fresher, fuller flavor.
Making sun-dried tomatoes at home isn’t as difficult as you might think all you need to do is slice your ripe tomatoes and season them with your choice of herbs, garlic, and salt. Then, simply set them out to dry in the sun or in the oven until they’re shriveled and leathery. It does take some time and patience, but the end result is worth it.
Homemade sun dried tomatoes are perfect for adding to salads, pasta dishes, sandwiches, and more the possibilities are endless! So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious and satisfying this simple DIY project can be?
