Preparing homemade fried tomato is one of those traditions that not only connects you to the best of Mediterranean cuisine, but also allows you to enjoy an authentic flavour, full of freshness and with just the right touch of sweetness and acidity. This recipe is easy to follow and the result is so delicious you'll wonder why you didn't make it before.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg ripe tomatoes (preferably pear tomatoes or very red and fleshy tomatoes)
- 1 large onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 small red pepper (optional)
- 50 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- Bay leaves (optional)
- some fresh basil leaves (optional)
Traditional production:
- Start by washing the tomatoes well and, if you prefer, you can blanch them in boiling water for a minute to remove the skin easily. Once peeled, cut them into small pieces and set aside. Finely chop the onion and garlic. If you decide to use peppers, chop them into small pieces as well.
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent and lightly browned. If you are using capsicum, add it at this point and cook it along with the onion and garlic.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and salt to taste. Stir all the ingredients well and allow the tomatoes to simmer. This process can take between 30 and 45 minutes. It is important to stir from time to time to prevent sticking and to make sure the tomato is well broken down.
- If you prefer a finer fried tomato, you can pass the sauce through a potato masher or grind it with a hand blender until the desired texture is obtained. Add black pepper to taste and, if desired, some bay leaves or basil for an aromatic touch.
- Continue cooking over low heat until the tomato sauce has reduced and has the consistency of your choice. Adjust salt and sugar if necessary.
Preparation with Thermomix:
- Start by peeling and cutting the tomatoes into quarters. If you prefer a fried tomato without skin, you can blanch them before peeling. Peel the onion and garlic.
- Place the onion and garlic in the glass of the Thermomix and blend for 5 seconds on speed 5. Add the red pepper if you are using it, and blend for another 5 seconds at the same speed.
- Add the olive oil and fry everything for 10 minutes at 120°C (or Varoma, depending on the model), speed 1, without the cap so that the excess water evaporates.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, sugar and salt to taste. Place the measuring cup in the lid, but slightly tilted to allow the steam to escape and the sauce to reduce better. Cook for 30 minutes at 100°C, speed 2.
- If you like a finer sauce, at the end of the cooking time, blend everything for 30 seconds on speed 7. If you prefer a more textured sauce, you can blend it for less time or even leave it as it is.
- Finally, adjust the salt and sugar if necessary, and if you wish, add a few bay leaves or basil for an aromatic touch. Cook for a further 5 minutes at 100°C, speed 1.
- Advice:
- If you want to give it a more rustic touch, don't mash the sauce, let the tomato pieces show through.
- Homemade fried tomato can be frozen, so if you make a lot, you can save it in portions for future recipes.
- This fried tomato base is perfect to accompany pastas, rice dishes, meats or simply to be enjoyed with a good bread.
- The Thermomix allows you to adjust the texture of the fried tomato according to your preferences: finer by grinding more, or fuller by grinding less.
- As in the traditional recipe, the homemade fried tomato made in the Thermomix can be frozen in portions for use in future recipes.
Now that you have all the secrets, get ready to prepare your own homemade fried tomato, either in the traditional way or with the help of the Thermomix! You'll be surprised how easy it is and the incomparable flavour it adds to your dishes. Dare to try it and enjoy the result!
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