Delicate acidity, the intense sweetness of tomato, and finished with garlic and dried Provençal herbs. Not to mention crispy bruschetta, feta cheese, and a delicious glass of crisp white wine. Riesling, Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, Grechetto... my salivary glands are working overtime as I write this.
Sun-dried tomatoes are a delicious addition to all sorts of dishes, from salads to pasta and bread. They provide an extra boost of flavor thanks to their concentrated flesh and rich aromas. This article explains how to make your own sun-dried tomatoes, the ingredients you'll need, and the best way to store them. This super simple recipe with fresh thyme, garlic, and olive oil ensures you'll always have a jar of delicious oven-dried tomatoes ready at home.
And the superpower of anyone with a garden is that you can grow most of your ingredients right in your garden.
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What are sun-dried tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes are tomatoes that have been slowly dried to remove moisture. This process intensifies the flavor of ripe tomatoes. Although the name suggests they are sun-dried, in practice they are often prepared in the oven, which is much faster and easier. Commercial producers often use a combination of sun and machine drying for sun-dried tomatoes. A food dehydrator offers more temperature control when drying tomatoes, which can be a convenient alternative. Drying tomatoes concentrates the sugars and acids, making them incredibly tasty and versatile in the kitchen.
Supplies and ingredients
To make your own sun-dried tomatoes, you'll need a few essential ingredients and materials:
- Ripe tomatoes (e.g. cherry tomatoes )
- Cloves of garlic or garlic cloves
- Fresh thyme or dried thyme
- Italian herbs such as oregano and fresh herbs to taste
- Good quality olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Baking tray and baking paper
- Glass jar or pot to store the tomatoes in
