Imagine transforming ordinary cherry tomatoes into a burst of concentrated, sun-kissed flavor that will elevate your dishes from mundane to magnificent! These oven-dried tomatoes are not just a side dish, but a gourmet secret weapon that will revolutionize your cooking. With minimal effort and just a few simple ingredients, you'll create a versatile ingredient that can turn any meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh herbs (basil, thyme, oregano)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C), which is the ideal low temperature for slowly drying tomatoes while preserving their intense flavor.
- Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with clean paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Carefully slice the cherry tomatoes in half, ensuring each half is roughly the same size for even drying.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Arrange the tomato halves cut-side up, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow proper air circulation during the drying process.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil evenly over the tomato halves, using approximately 2 tablespoons for a standard baking sheet.
- Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the tomatoes to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Finely chop fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano, and distribute them generously over the tomato halves.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and dry the tomatoes for approximately 2 hours, checking periodically to ensure they're not burning.
- The tomatoes are done when they've shrunk, look slightly wrinkled, and have a deep, concentrated color but are still slightly pliable.
- Remove from the oven and let the dried tomatoes cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Store the oven-dried tomatoes in an airtight container with a drizzle of olive oil, which can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Tips
- • Choose ripe, firm cherry tomatoes for the best results - they'll concentrate flavor most effectively • Use a low oven temperature (250°F) to slowly dehydrate without burning • Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - space between tomatoes ensures even drying • Fresh herbs are key - use a mix of basil, thyme, and oregano for complex flavor • Check tomatoes periodically during cooking to prevent over-drying • For longer storage, cover dried tomatoes completely in olive oil in an airtight container • These dried tomatoes are perfect for pastas, salads, pizzas, and as a gourmet appetizer topping
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
