Who doesn’t love a juicy, gooey tomato bursting with flavor? If you’re like most people, it’s a staple of your diet. While it’s true that you can use them in pretty much any dish — from tomato sauce to salsa to a simple tomato sandwich — tomatoes have a lot more potential than most people can think. With this in mind, here are some unique ways to use tomatoes in your next cooking project.
INNOVATIVE WAYS TO USE TOMATOES
Pickle your tomatoes
If you’re looking for a new way to preserve your bounty of tomatoes, try pickling them. It’s easier than it sounds. You just need to slice them up, take the tomato seeds out and add them to a jar with some salt, vinegar, and garlic. Let them sit for at least a week before eating them as a snack or adding them to salads. You can also serve them as a colorful appetizer at your next party.
Make Berries and Tomatoes smoothie
If you’ve got a hankering for something sweet, but don’t want to overload on sugar and calories, try this simple smoothie recipe instead. Combine one cup of strawberries, one cup each of plain Greek yogurt and almond milk, half of one ripe banana (sliced), one large tomato without tomato seeds, and two tablespoons of honey. Place them in a blender with some ice cubes and puree until smooth. You can also sprinkle in some fresh basil for an extra boost of flavor.
Bake Tomatoes and Rosemary breadsticks
Freshly baked breadsticks always make a great snack, but when you add fresh tomatoes to the mix, it’s sure to be a real crowd-pleaser. To make it, simply cut the tomato in half with a knife, then place it on top of a breadstick with some rosemary inside. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes until golden brown around the edges. If you want to really impress your friends, top your breadsticks with some melted cheese or even add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for extra flavor!
Make a Panzanella salad
One way to really make those tomatoes shine is by using them in a Panzanella salad. This recipe combines tomatoes with bread, olive oil, and vinegar — all things that bring out their natural flavors while also complementing them in unexpected ways. It’s much lighter than a traditional tomato-based pasta dish and less time-consuming than making a tomato vinaigrette. It only takes a few minutes to cook and tastes delicious.
Try Cherry Tomato pasta
Do you love tomatoes? How about pasta? You’re in luck! Cherry tomatoes are a great way to add a twist to your favorite dish. First, prepare your favorite tomato-based pasta recipe as usual, but swap out the tomatoes for cherry tomatoes. The smaller size will allow you to really pack them in there, so you’ll get all the flavor without having to worry about getting any of it on your fork.
If you’re looking for something extra delicious, try making a bolognese sauce with ground beef and include some cherry tomatoes for added texture. You can also use dried or fresh herbs like basil or parsley in lieu of traditional spaghetti sauce if you want an extra punch of flavor.
Make Tomato Pomodoro sauce
Tomato Pomodoro sauce is a simple sauce to make and can be used in many dishes. It’s usually made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and salt. While it’s traditionally served with pasta, tomato Pomodoro sauce also pairs well with chicken or fish. The acidity of the tomatoes balances out the richness of the oil and makes this a hearty meal option for those who want something healthy but filling at the same time.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or want to make something more extravagant, there are plenty of recipes out there that use tomatoes. If you don’t feel like using store-bought tomatoes, try growing them using some tomato seeds and soil. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly ripe, fresh tomatoes all year round and use them to make your favorite dishes.
