7 Remarkable Recipes Featuring Tomatoes. Right On Time For Summer!
One of my earliest memories is creating my first garden, with permission, to grow lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Today, I’m limited on space and don’t have the opportunity to grow my own tomatoes. However, it doesn’t stop me from appreciating and incorporating tomatoes into my diet often.
The following post is an homage to the humble, flavorful tomato. There is no way I would be able to complete a full compendium on the tomato, different varieties, or recipes featuring or including this fruit heavily.
Yes, tomatoes are a fruit, not a vegetable. There’s a court case and decision that is behind the reason tomatoes are often referred to as a vegetable for the food industry. However, that is a post for another day.
As the temperatures rise and summer soon approaches, I wanted to focus on some quality recipe ideas featuring tomatoes.
Think beyond tomato pasta or adding tomato to chicken to create a delicious meal.
Although these are both wonderful ideas for using tomatoes, and something that I eat often. Let’s explore the following refreshing and flavorful recipes!
Fried Green Tomatoes (a southern classic)
Caprese Salad
Shakshuka
Tomato Sandwich (cool and refreshing for summer, straight from the garden)
Bruschetta
Tomato Soup (classic warming cup or bowl of this soup)
Tomato Tart (with ricotta or goat cheese)
If none of these recipes got you salivating, I hope you at least feel inspired to check out other tomato-full recipes. Too often we overlook the potential and capabilities that different fruits and vegetables add to our diet, lives, and the look and taste of the food on our plate.
1. Fried Green Tomatoes
One beloved childhood favorite growing up was getting to chow down on a generous helping of fried green tomatoes. Unfortunately, I currently live in a region where it is hella difficult to get my hands on anything but ripe, bright red, bursting at the vine tomatoes.
What am I to do when a sense of nostalgia for this tasty treat arrives and it’s practically impossible for me to get my hands on some green tomatoes.
Green tomatoes?! Are you serious? Before you jump off this page in disgust, hear me out. There is something magical and fantastically delicious about fried green tomatoes. There is a slightly sour tang of the green, that these tomatoes have which works so perfectly with a crunchy, fried exterior.
Don’t forget about serving up fried green tomatoes piping hot with a side of aioli mayonnaise, hot sauce, or even some cool ranch sauce for a flavor party in your mouth. Or you can always get your fix eating a helping of fried green tomatoes, no condiments necessary.
I implore you to try this absolutely delish Southern American comfort food at least once.
2. Caprese Salad
Thank Italy for the Caprese Salad. It’s a simple, cool and refreshing side or main dish featuring fresh slices or balls of mozzarella cheese, fresh basil or other greens, and of course, tomatoes.
Don’t skip a generous drizzle of balsamic vinegar alongside a pinch of salt and olive oil and prepare to tantalize your tastebuds!
Curious about making your own mozzarella cheese or quality brands of balsamic vinegar? Check out the following article.
3. Shakshouka/Shakshuka
Do you love Mediterranean food or the flavor profiles from the Middle East? You have to give Shakshouka a try for breakfast, brunch, or just because.
Featuring a generous addition of tomatoes, this dish is popular in North Africa, the Middle East, and has storied origins. Some say this filling tomato-based dish comes from the Ottoman Empire, others Tunisia.
Either way, it is satisfying, bursting with flavor, and something not to miss out on ever eating.
You’ll experience the food magic of poached eggs, a hearty tomato sauce, olive oil, garlic, onions, peppers, and a menagerie of spices.
4. Tomato Sandwich
Move over deli slices and fancy grilled cheese sandwiches. You don’t need to wait for teatime to enjoy a cool, summer-ready sandwich.
If you aren’t the biggest fan of cucumber sandwiches, why not give a humble and refreshing tomato sandwich a try?
As a classic Southern American favorite for hot summer months, tomato sandwiches can be enjoyed by all.
Feel free to take some creative liberties with a classic tomato sandwich by changing up the mayo, adding some avocado slices, pesto, or multiple slices of cheese. If you get your hands on the perfect, beefiest tomato for a heaty slice, you won’t miss having any meat between your slices.
5. Bruschetta
Appreciate Italian cuisine and a quick appetizer to whet your appetite. Bruschetta is a colorful, bright and refreshing small side dish or antipasto, featuring none other than, the humble tomato.
Topping grilled bread, a thick layer of diced tomatoes, olive oil, and salt come together to greet you on a plate. Some varieties include a touch of balsamic vinegar or a smear of bright green pesto sauce.
Check out the following recipe to get your bruschetta fix. Whether you pick up a handful of tomatoes at your local grocer or need to visit your garden to procure this tasty fruit, you’ll thank yourself later.
6. Tomato Soup
There’s nothing like the warmth and flavor of a thick and hearty tomato soup, especially when served warm. However, you might be able to get away with enjoying tomato soup cold, when the weather is balmy.
And if you feel like cheating, here’s a wicked idea.
Drink your calories and skip out on a cold tomato soup.
7. Tomato Tart
Who doesn’t love a savory tart? If you only thought of tarts as a sweet dessert to enjoy after a full course meal, please consider giving savory tarts a chance.
When it comes to recipes featuring tomatoes, I’m salivating over savory tarts featuring Roma or cherry tomatoes paired with goat cheese, fresh herbs, and chives.
Or consider a savory tomato tart paired with ricotta cheese, caramelized onions, and even a touch of grilled asparagus.
If you wish and depending on the accompanying toppings on your tomato tart, you might find a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to be a welcome addition!
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