How To Confit Tomatoes

What is Tomato Confit?

Tomato confit is a delicious and versatile dish that involves slow-cooking tomatoes in oil at a low temperature. This process helps to intensify the flavors of the tomatoes and gives them a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Confit tomatoes can be used in a variety of dishes, adding a rich and savory flavor to everything from pasta to salads.

Ingredients for Tomato Confit

To make tomato confit, you will need the following ingredients:

• Tomatoes: Use ripe Roma or cherry tomatoes for the best results.
• Olive oil: Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add a delicious aromatic flavor to the confit.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil can be added to enhance the flavor of the confit.
• Salt and pepper: Season the tomatoes with salt and pepper to taste.

How to Make Tomato Confit

Follow these simple steps to make your own delicious tomato confit:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. Prepare the tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes in half and remove the seeds.
3. Season the tomatoes: Place the tomatoes in a baking dish and season them with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
4. Add the herbs: Tuck sprigs of fresh herbs among the tomatoes for added flavor.
5. Cover with oil: Pour enough olive oil over the tomatoes to completely cover them.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 2-3 hours, or until the tomatoes are soft and caramelized.
7. Cool and store: Allow the confit tomatoes to cool, then transfer them to a clean jar and cover them with the olive oil. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Ways to Use Tomato Confit

Once you have made a batch of delicious tomato confit, there are countless ways to enjoy it:

• Pasta: Toss the confit tomatoes with cooked pasta and fresh herbs for a simple and flavorful meal.
• Salads: Add confit tomatoes to salads for a burst of rich, savory flavor.
• Bruschetta: Spread confit tomatoes on toasted bread for a delicious appetizer.
• Pizza: Use confit tomatoes as a topping for homemade pizza for a gourmet twist.
• Sandwiches: Layer confit tomatoes on sandwiches for a burst of flavor.

Conclusion

Tomato confit is a simple yet luxurious dish that can elevate a wide range of recipes. By slow-cooking tomatoes in olive oil with garlic and herbs, you can create a rich and flavorful ingredient that will enhance your cooking. Whether you use it in pasta, salads, or as a topping for bruschetta, tomato confit is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.