The summer garden is a generous provider, and often, that generosity manifests as an overflowing bounty of cherry tomatoes. These little gems, bursting with sweetness and vibrant color, are delightful. But what happens when you have more than you can possibly eat fresh? Fear not, overwhelmed gardener! This article will explore a delightful array of creative and delicious ways to utilize an abundance of cherry tomatoes, preventing waste and turning your surplus into culinary masterpieces.
Roasting: Unlocking Concentrated Flavor
Roasting cherry tomatoes is a simple yet transformative process. The heat intensifies their sweetness, drawing out the natural sugars and creating a rich, caramelized flavor that is far more complex than their fresh counterparts. Roasting brings out the best in cherry tomatoes.
The Simple Roasted Cherry Tomato Recipe
The basic technique is straightforward. Preheat your oven to around 400°F (200°C). Halve or leave whole your cherry tomatoes, depending on their size. Toss them with a generous drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and perhaps a sprinkle of dried herbs like oregano or thyme. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are softened, slightly wrinkled, and beginning to burst.
Variations on Roasting
Once you’ve mastered the basic roast, experiment with different flavors. Add a clove or two of minced garlic to the tomato mixture before roasting. A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a delightful kick. For a sweeter profile, drizzle with a touch of balsamic glaze after roasting. You can even roast them with other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions for a colorful and flavorful side dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs and spices.
Using Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Roasted cherry tomatoes are incredibly versatile. Toss them with pasta for a quick and easy sauce. Add them to salads for a burst of flavor. Spread them on toast with ricotta cheese for a simple and elegant appetizer. Use them as a topping for pizza or bruschetta. They can also be blended into soups or sauces for a richer, deeper flavor.
Sauces: From Simple to Sophisticated
Cherry tomatoes make excellent sauces, ranging from simple, fresh preparations to complex, slow-cooked masterpieces. The sweetness of cherry tomatoes lends itself particularly well to sauces.
Quick & Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
For a fast and flavorful sauce, simply sauté minced garlic in olive oil. Add your cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered, and cook until they soften and break down, about 15-20 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil. This sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
Slow-Cooked Cherry Tomato Sauce
For a more intense flavor, consider a slow-cooked sauce. In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, and any other desired vegetables like carrots or celery. Add your cherry tomatoes, crushed or whole, along with a can of crushed tomatoes for added body. Season with herbs, spices, and a touch of sugar to balance the acidity. Simmer for several hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded.
Freezing Your Sauce
Tomato sauce freezes exceptionally well. Prepare a large batch of your favorite cherry tomato sauce and divide it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to leave some headspace in the containers to allow for expansion during freezing. When ready to use, simply thaw the sauce in the refrigerator or on the stovetop. Freezing sauce is a great way to enjoy your harvest all year round.
Preserving: Extending the Harvest
Preserving your cherry tomatoes allows you to enjoy their deliciousness long after the growing season has ended. There are several methods for preserving, each with its own advantages.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Oven Method)
While traditionally sun-dried outdoors, you can easily replicate the process in your oven. Halve your cherry tomatoes and arrange them cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with salt and bake at a very low temperature (around 200°F or 95°C) for several hours, or until they are shriveled and leathery. Turn them occasionally to ensure even drying.
Pickling Cherry Tomatoes
Pickled cherry tomatoes are a tangy and flavorful treat. They can be enjoyed as a snack, added to salads, or used as a garnish for cocktails. A basic pickling brine typically consists of vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and spices like garlic, peppercorns, and dill. Simply combine the brine ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Pour the hot brine over your cherry tomatoes, which have been packed into sterilized jars. Process the jars in a boiling water bath according to USDA guidelines for safe canning. Proper canning techniques are essential for food safety.
Cherry Tomato Jam
For a sweet and savory condiment, try making cherry tomato jam. Combine chopped cherry tomatoes with sugar, vinegar, and spices like ginger, cinnamon, or cloves in a saucepan. Simmer until the mixture thickens and resembles jam. This jam is delicious on toast, crackers, or as an accompaniment to cheese.
Dehydrating: Concentrated Flavor Snack
Dehydrating cherry tomatoes is another excellent way to preserve them. It results in a chewy, intensely flavored snack that can be enjoyed on its own or used in various recipes.
Using a Dehydrator
If you have a dehydrator, simply halve your cherry tomatoes and arrange them in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Dehydrate at the appropriate temperature according to your dehydrator’s instructions, typically around 135°F (57°C), for several hours, or until they are dry but still pliable.
Oven Dehydrating (Alternative)
If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can dehydrate cherry tomatoes in your oven using the same method as for oven-dried tomatoes, but at an even lower temperature and for a longer period of time.
Using Dehydrated Tomatoes
Dehydrated cherry tomatoes can be rehydrated in warm water and used in sauces, soups, or stews. They can also be ground into a powder and used as a seasoning. For a delightful snack, try tossing them with olive oil, herbs, and spices before dehydrating. Dehydrated tomatoes offer a concentrated burst of flavor.
Creative Culinary Uses
Beyond the standard sauces and preserves, cherry tomatoes can be incorporated into a wide range of creative culinary applications.
Cherry Tomato Salsa
A refreshing alternative to traditional tomato salsa, cherry tomato salsa is bright, sweet, and flavorful. Simply combine chopped cherry tomatoes with diced onion, jalapeño pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
Cherry Tomato Tart
Arrange halved cherry tomatoes in concentric circles on a sheet of puff pastry. Sprinkle with herbs, cheese (such as goat cheese or mozzarella), and bake until the pastry is golden brown and the tomatoes are softened.
Cherry Tomato Salad with Burrata
A simple yet elegant salad that showcases the sweetness of cherry tomatoes. Combine halved cherry tomatoes with creamy burrata cheese, fresh basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze.
Cherry Tomato and Feta Skewers
Thread cherry tomatoes and cubes of feta cheese onto skewers. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with herbs. These skewers make a perfect appetizer or light snack.
Creative Gardening Ideas for Next Year
If you find yourself overwhelmed by cherry tomatoes every year, consider these gardening strategies to better manage your harvest.
- Succession Planting: Stagger your planting times so that your tomato plants don’t all mature at once. Plant a few plants every few weeks to spread out the harvest.
- Choose Different Varieties: Select a mix of cherry tomato varieties with different maturity dates and yields. This will help to prevent a glut of tomatoes all at once.
- Plant Fewer Plants: Consider planting fewer cherry tomato plants next year if you consistently have more than you can use.
- Share with Others: Donate your excess cherry tomatoes to a local food bank or share them with friends, family, and neighbors.
In conclusion, an abundance of cherry tomatoes is a gardener’s blessing, not a curse. With a little creativity and effort, you can transform your surplus into a wide variety of delicious and satisfying dishes, preserves, and snacks. Embrace the bounty and enjoy the fruits (or rather, vegetables) of your labor!
FAQ 1: I have way too many cherry tomatoes! Besides eating them raw, what’s the easiest way to use them up quickly?
Roasting cherry tomatoes is incredibly easy and a great way to handle a large quantity. Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any herbs you like (such as thyme or rosemary). Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until they’ve softened and started to burst. Roasting intensifies their flavor and makes them perfect for adding to pasta, salads, or even spreading on toast.
Another quick and efficient method is to make a simple cherry tomato sauce. Roughly chop or blend the tomatoes, then sauté garlic and onions in olive oil. Add the tomatoes to the pan, along with herbs like basil and oregano, and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. You can season to taste with salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar if desired. This sauce can be used immediately or frozen for later use, providing a versatile base for countless meals.
FAQ 2: Can I freeze cherry tomatoes? Will they be mushy when thawed?
Yes, you can freeze cherry tomatoes, and it’s a great way to preserve them for later use. While they won’t have the same texture as fresh tomatoes after thawing, they are perfectly suitable for cooking. You can freeze them whole or halved, depending on your preference. For best results, wash and dry the tomatoes thoroughly before freezing.
Spread the cherry tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for a few hours until solid. This prevents them from clumping together. Once frozen, transfer the tomatoes to freezer bags or containers. When ready to use, add them directly to soups, sauces, stews, or roasted dishes without thawing. The cooking process will mask any slight change in texture.
FAQ 3: What are some unique recipes I can make with cherry tomatoes that are not pasta sauce or salads?
Consider making a cherry tomato chutney. This sweet and savory condiment is a delightful addition to cheese boards, grilled meats, or even sandwiches. You can combine cherry tomatoes with onions, vinegar, sugar, spices like ginger and chili, and simmer until it reaches a jam-like consistency. The result is a complex and flavorful chutney that will impress your guests.
Another unusual but delicious option is a cherry tomato galette. This free-form tart features a flaky crust filled with roasted cherry tomatoes, herbs, and cheese. The sweetness of the tomatoes complements the savory filling, creating a visually appealing and incredibly tasty dish. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and herbs to customize it to your liking.
FAQ 4: I’m looking for a healthy snack option using cherry tomatoes. Any ideas?
Cherry tomato skewers are a simple and healthy snack. Alternate cherry tomatoes with mozzarella balls, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a Caprese-inspired treat. These skewers are easy to prepare, visually appealing, and offer a balanced combination of flavors and textures. They’re perfect for parties or a quick afternoon snack.
Alternatively, try making roasted cherry tomato and white bean dip. Roast cherry tomatoes with garlic and herbs, then blend them with cooked white beans, lemon juice, and olive oil. This dip is packed with nutrients and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying snack option. Serve with whole-grain pita bread, crackers, or raw vegetables for dipping.
FAQ 5: How can I use cherry tomatoes to enhance the flavor of my grilled dishes?
Thread cherry tomatoes onto skewers along with other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions for a colorful and flavorful vegetable kebab. Grill the kebabs alongside your meat or poultry for a healthy and delicious side dish. The tomatoes will caramelize slightly on the grill, adding a burst of sweetness and acidity to complement the smoky flavors.
Another excellent option is to create a grilled cherry tomato salsa. Grill the cherry tomatoes until they are slightly charred, then chop them and combine them with red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice. This salsa provides a fresh and vibrant topping for grilled fish, chicken, or tacos. The grilling process adds a smoky depth of flavor that elevates the salsa to a whole new level.
FAQ 6: Can I use cherry tomatoes to make a preserve, like jam or pickles?
Yes, you can definitely make both cherry tomato jam and pickles. Cherry tomato jam is a surprisingly delicious preserve that combines the sweetness of the tomatoes with a touch of tanginess and spice. The process is similar to making other fruit jams, involving cooking the tomatoes with sugar, vinegar, and pectin until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency. This jam pairs well with cheese, grilled meats, or even toast.
Pickled cherry tomatoes offer a tangy and crunchy treat. You can pickle them in a brine of vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and spices like garlic, peppercorns, and dill. The pickling process preserves the tomatoes and infuses them with the flavors of the brine. Pickled cherry tomatoes are a great addition to salads, sandwiches, or charcuterie boards.
FAQ 7: How can I save cherry tomato seeds for planting next year?
Saving cherry tomato seeds is a straightforward process that allows you to propagate your favorite varieties. Select ripe, healthy tomatoes from plants that exhibited desirable traits. Squeeze the seeds and pulp into a jar, add some water, and let it ferment for a few days, stirring occasionally. This fermentation process helps to remove the gelatinous coating surrounding the seeds.
Once the fermentation is complete, rinse the seeds thoroughly with water and spread them out on a paper towel to dry completely. Ensure the seeds are completely dry before storing them in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place. Properly stored seeds can remain viable for several years, allowing you to enjoy your favorite cherry tomato varieties year after year.