Tomatoes are the perfect summer food, and it’s not hard to believe that in this season of abundant produce, tomatoes are at their best. The tomato’s true value is revealed when there is a heatwave, such as the one that has hit the United States in the past few weeks.
Tomatoes are a great choice on their own. “Raw tomatoes contain lycopene, an anti-oxidant, and they also have vitamin C, potassium and folate,” Lauren Manganiello (a registered dietitian in Long Island, New York).
Manganiello says that although cooking tomatoes can increase their content of lycopene, it’s still worth the effort to get enough from an uncooked one. Olive oil can be added to increase your antioxidant intake if you are really looking for ways to boost your intake. She said that fresh tomatoes with olive oil are a great way of increasing lycopene absorption.
A few simple strokes of a knife can transform a tomato crop into a delicious meal. In many cases, it is possible to do this without even touching the stovetop.
These tomato recipes are easy to make and can be made in a matter of minutes.
There are so many combinations that can be made with a sandwich or a salad. The tomato sandwich is a great example of this.
Southerners love the simplicity of a tomato sandwich on bread with mayonnaise and salt. You can make a tomato sandwich on any day of the week, even if you have more ingredients.
You can substitute mayonnaise with hummus, ranch dressing or cream cheese. You can also add a hard-boiled egg or avocado. Extra napkins are a good idea to hold the cherry pepper relish and pickled onions. If you want comfort food, the BLT is a good option.
A Caprese salad can also be made more summery by adding some fruit. For a kid-friendly option, layer slices of fresh watermelon and peaches on your salad platter.
Have leftover grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak? Use leftover grilled steak, shrimp or chicken to make a Cobb salad. Use this recipe as a starting point. You can then add in your favorite ingredients, such as marinated chickpeas or roasted red peppers.
Spreads and sauces
Slow-simmered marinara sauce is a favorite for dipping pasta in, but it might not be the best season to make large batches. Mix up a no-cook tomato sauce which practically explodes with fresh tomatoes. It’s great with whole-grain pasta or chickpea-based pasta.
Although pesto is often associated with basil, it can also be used in a rustic sauce. Tomato Pesto or pesto alla Trapanese is a traditional Sicilian recipe. It can be made quickly in a food processor. It can be used in a pasta salad, or as a grain-bowl dressing.
These sauces can also be used as bruschetta or crostini toppings for an impromptu happy hour with snacks.
You can also use the grill if you are unable to stand the heat. Grilled dishes with tomatoes are a great option for hot meals on hot days.
Foil packet meals can be grilled in a very simple way with minimal mess and cleanup. You can place salmon fillets onto a piece of heavy-duty foil and drizzle olive oil on them. Then, add halved cherry tomatoes and other herbs such as rosemary, dill, or cilantro.
This method can be customized to suit the tastes of each member of your family.
You don’t want chips or salsa if you only have one option. Instead, make homemade Salsa by grilling whole tomatoes, peppers, and onions. It takes just a few minutes to brown the skins and enhance the flavor of the mixture.
If you have a large crop of tomatoes and some time, you can make your own tomato water to mix cocktails. Tomato water is slow, very slowly strained liquid that comes from a tomato. It’s an easy way to make great drinks and it’s low-maintenance.
Line a metal strainer using a cheesecloth or flour sack towel. Next, place the strainer over a large bowl. Mix the chopped tomatoes with
After an overnight rest, tomato water is left. This can be used to make martinis or Bloody Marys, or it can be mixed with vodka or gin and tonic for a refreshing summer sip.