Summer’s harvest of gorgeous, ripe tomatoes, in all their glory, is a rapidly diminishing memory. Sigh… I learned a trick, years ago, to make tomatoes taste good all year round!
Roasting tomatoes is super easy and does amazing things for the flavor. As a bonus, they have no gluten, egg, dairy, corn, nuts, or any other allergens added, unless you are allergic to tomatoes or the nightshade family!!
This is a phenomenal ingredient to have in the fridge. Layer them on a sandwich. (By the way, we made an astonishing find; Franz has a really good gluten free bread out on the market! I know?!?!) You can also toss them with gluten free pasta, in a salad, use with fresh mozzarella for a caprese, add them to soup, or just snack on them!
One of my secrets, as a Chef, is my mystery ingredient stash… I keep such things in my fridge to add to dishes and make them magical with little or no effort. Actually, I’m pretty lazy. I’d much rather be hanging out with my family or dinner guests, instead of slaving away in the kitchen during those last hours before dinner is served. Ingredients like this will get you that Culinary Goddess Tiara you’re eying…
Roasted Tomatoes
It feels like I’m cheating to call this a recipe. Really, you just need some tomatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper. Roma tomatoes are your best out-of-season option, generally. Once washed, you will want to quarter them lengthwise. If they are really large ones, cut into six pieces, if you wish. Put them in a non reactive bowl. Toss with a light dressing of olive oil and add salt and pepper to taste. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You don’t have to use the paper, but it sure makes cleanup a lot easier.
You are going to put them in a 350 degree oven and let them roast until they start to soften; or cook them more if you prefer. This will be anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half. It totally depends on the moisture level of your tomatoes. You can also do them in a slower, 300 degree oven for a longer period to make them a bit more intensely flavored. Which ever way you like!