Stewed Tomatoes

Stewed tomatoes are a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or used as a base for soups and other recipes. While you can easily find salt-free stewed tomatoes in stores, making your own allows you to use fresh tomatoes from your garden or make use of extra tomatoes you have on hand. By preparing and freezing them in resealable bags, you can enjoy the taste of summer tomatoes throughout the year. This simple slow cooker recipe will guide you through the process of making delicious stewed tomatoes that are packed with flavor and nutrients.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 large tomatoes
• 1 cup (160 g) chopped onion
• ¾ cup (75 g) chopped celery
• ½ cup (75 g) chopped green bell pepper
• 3 tablespoons (39 g) sugar
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

PREPARATIONS:

1. Core the tomatoes and place them in boiling water for about 15 to 20 seconds.
2. Quickly transfer the tomatoes to ice water to cool and then peel off the skin.
3. Cut the tomatoes into wedges.
4. In a slow cooker, combine the tomatoes with the chopped onion, celery, green bell pepper, sugar, bay leaf, and black pepper.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours.
6. Once cooked, remove the bay leaf.
7. Serve the stewed tomatoes as a side dish or portion them for freezing to use in soups or other recipes.

YIELD:

• 6 servings

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Make sure to core the tomatoes before blanching and peeling them.
• Be careful when handling the hot boiling water and transferring the tomatoes to ice water.
• Remove the bay leaf before serving or freezing the stewed tomatoes.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 141 g water
• 61 calories (5% from fat, 8% from protein, 87% from carbs)
• 1 g protein
• 0 g total fat
• 0 g saturated fat
• 0 g monounsaturated fat
• 0 g polyunsaturated fat
• 14 g carbs
• 2 g fiber
• 8 g sugar
• 37 mg phosphorus
• 18 mg calcium
• 1 mg iron
• 21 mg sodium
• 315 mg potassium
• 722 IU vitamin A
• 0 mg ATE vitamin E
• 38 mg vitamin C
• 0 mg cholesterol

TIPS:

• Use ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best taste.
• Customize the flavor by adding herbs and spices like basil or oregano to the stewed tomatoes.
• Freeze the stewed tomatoes in portion sizes suitable for your favorite recipes for easy and convenient use.

In conclusion, homemade stewed tomatoes offer a flavorful and versatile addition to your meals. Whether used as a side dish or a base for soups and recipes, they bring the taste of fresh tomatoes to your table. While you can find pre-made salt-free stewed tomatoes in stores, making your own allows you to utilize extra tomatoes from your garden or local produce.

The process of making stewed tomatoes is simple and convenient, especially when using a slow cooker. By blanching and peeling the tomatoes, you remove the skin and ensure a smooth texture. Combining the tomatoes with onions, celery, green bell pepper, sugar, bay leaf, and black pepper in the slow cooker allows the flavors to develop and meld together during the long cooking process.

Once cooked, the stewed tomatoes can be enjoyed as a flavorful side dish, adding a burst of freshness to any meal. Alternatively, you can portion and freeze them for later use in soups, stews, and other recipes. Having a stash of homemade stewed tomatoes in the freezer allows you to enjoy the taste of ripe tomatoes all year round.

When making your own stewed tomatoes, it’s essential to use ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best results. The sweetness of the tomatoes, combined with the savory elements of the onions, celery, and green bell pepper, creates a well-rounded flavor profile.

To further enhance the taste, you can experiment with adding herbs and spices like basil or oregano to the stewed tomatoes. These additions can elevate the flavors and complement the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.

In conclusion, stewed tomatoes are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. By making your own, you have control over the ingredients and can savor the taste of fresh, homemade tomatoes throughout the year.