Marinated Tomatoes

Mildly tangy and a little bit bit candy, this garlic and herb marinade goes fantastically with the pure acidity of tomatoes. I’ve all the time preferred tomatoes, however these marinated tomatoes have taken that relationship to an entire new degree.

I’ve been combining tomatoes and balsamic dressings for some time ( you, you lovely cucumber tomato salad). However this recipe for marinated tomatoes has me feeling very Mary Poppins. Only a spoonful of sugar makes such a distinction!

I’m offered on this taste mixture. The primary time I made these tomatoes, I couldn’t keep out of all of them afternoon as they have been marinating on the counter, so I moved them to the fridge. And I nonetheless couldn’t keep out of them!

I stored telling myself I wanted to stir them to verify they have been marinating excellent. In some way that wound up in a style or two every time. Think about your self warned, these actually are that good!

Even my brother, who hates vinegar preferred these tomatoes. So, I’m assured that they will convert even diehard skeptics. Simply do not forget that with nice energy comes nice duty. And snack effectively, my pals!

Elements and Substitutions

Tomatoes – I often use cherry or grape tomatoes. However, this recipe will work properly with no matter tomatoes you occur to have readily available.

Vinegar – Balsamic vinegar is ideal with the acidity of the tomatoes, including a tangy, tart taste.

Olive Oil – You’ll wish to use additional virgin olive oil for the dressing, as it is a dressing the place the oil will get to share the highlight.

Sugar – I add a little bit sugar, to deliver out the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Garlic – Contemporary garlic is the transfer. There is no such thing as a substitute this time round.

Contemporary Herbs – You’re going to like the earthy, virtually peppery notes that freshly chopped basil and parsley deliver to the combination.

Seasonings – Thyme rounds out the flavors with a form of minty trace. And, I all the time use kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Notes on Tools

Mixing bowl or hermetic container with lid
Slicing board
Chef’s knife. Meals prep is a lot simpler when you might have a top quality knife. It was over 10 years in the past after I first tried this knife, whereas visiting an expert take a look at kitchen. I nonetheless love the knife and the value level merely can’t be beat for high quality.
Measuring spoons
Garlic Press That is fingers down the perfect press I’ve ever used. The press is available in two totally different sizes, and the bigger one truly cuts it into tiny items. And, the BEST half? It’s simply two items of stainless-steel that click on collectively and are available aside for the best cleansing you may think about.

The right way to Make Marinated Tomatoes

Washing the Tomatoes: To begin, you’ll wish to clear the tomatoes. Pat them dry with a fabric or paper towel afterward.

Making ready the Produce: I halve or reduce the tomatoes into bite-size items. I additionally reduce the basil and parsley and mince the garlic at this stage.

Assembling the Tomatoes: Place the tomatoes in a big bowl or container with a lid. Add the garlic, parsley, and basil. Sprinkle with the sugar, salt, pepper, and thyme. Pour the oil and vinegar over them.

Tossing: Toss the whole lot collectively till the tomatoes are completely coated.

Marinating: You’ll wish to cowl the bowl and let the tomatoes marinate for just a few hours, both at room temperature or within the fridge. This provides all of the flavors time to meld and marry. However, it’s best to completely snack on just a few (it’s a style take a look at! completely reputable) simply to verify the whole lot is nice.

Serving: As soon as the tomatoes have marinated, serve chilled or at room temperature.

Knowledgeable Tip

One of many greatest taste contributors right here is the basil. With a view to get probably the most out of your basil leaves, you’ll wish to chiffonade the basil. Don’t panic while you hear that phrase! All which means is you’ll wish to stack the leaves on prime of each other, roll them collectively, then use a knife to slice the leaves into very skinny slivers. Then, simply gently separate all of the slivers earlier than including them to the bowl.

Selecting the Finest Tomatoes – You need to use totally different sorts of tomatoes, however do not forget that this recipe is ALL about them. So, select the freshest, ripest fruits you could find. They need to be aromatic and heavy for his or her measurement with taut pores and skin.

Mincing the Garlic – Utilizing recent garlic delivers a end result that’s unattainable to match with some other type of garlic. Not a fan of mincing garlic? I extremely suggest a top quality garlic press. (I’ve used and beneficial this one for years.)

Reserving Marinade – The juices from the tomatoes will pool within the container whereas they sit within the fridge. Scoop the tomatoes out with a slotted spoon and use that marinade. It makes a terrific salad dressing!

Serving Ideas

These tomatoes are a summer time facet that goes with virtually something off the range. I really like them subsequent to halibut with a pine nut crust after I need lighter fare. And, they’re simply pretty much as good piled up subsequent to my favourite Italian chicken thighs.

I additionally wish to spoon the tomatoes and their juices over a bowl of this easy rice pilaf and let the rice take in all that unbelievable tomato taste. The bowl by no means lasts lengthy.

Make Forward & Storage

Make Forward: These tomatoes could be prepped upfront. Isn’t that form of a requirement with one thing you marinate?

The right way to Retailer: I maintain the tomatoes in an hermetic jar or container within the fridge for as much as three days.

Extra Tomato Recipes

Regularly Requested Questions

Do I have to take away the seeds from the tomatoes?

By no means! The seeds will merely turn into a part of the dressing for the tomatoes.

Ought to I drain the marinade from the tomatoes earlier than serving?

It relies upon the way you’re utilizing them. If you happen to’re serving them as a facet by themselves, I take advantage of a slotted spoon to depart the marinade behind. However, in the event you’re utilizing them in a salad, or as a part of one other dish, let the marinade turn into the flavorful dressing.

Can I take advantage of canned tomatoes?

No. No, no. Don’t use canned tomatoes. The feel is all flawed, and so they have already got absorbed about as a lot as is tomato-ly potential.

Place the tomatoes in a big mixing bowl. Add the garlic, parsley, and basil. Sprinkle with sugar, salt, pepper, and thyme. Add the oil and vinegar.
Toss effectively after which enable the tomatoes to marinate at room temperature or within the fridge for just a few hours. The tomatoes will create their very own wonderful marinade as they relaxation.

I’ve used all types of tomatoes for this recipe. It’s going to work properly with no matter tomatoes you occur to have readily available.

Vitamin info is routinely calculated, so ought to solely be used as an approximation.

{initially printed 7/20/11 – recipe notes and images up to date 6/15/26}

I made these marinated tomatoes for the primary time 15 years in the past, the day after Ree shared them. My recipe is customized from and with because of Missy by way of The Pioneer Woman.

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