Fire roasted tomatoes are a great way to add smoky flavor and depth to your dishes. They are perfect for soups, sauces, salsas, chilis, and more. But did you know that you can make fire roasted tomatoes at home with fresh garden tomatoes? It's easy, fun, and rewarding. Here's how to do it.
What Are Fire Roasted Tomatoes?
Fire roasted tomatoes are canned tomatoes that are fire roasted over an open flame to accentuate their flavor. They taste sweet and subtly smoky right out of the can, instead of bitter and acidic like most standard canned tomatoes. Fire roasting also helps preserve the color and texture of the tomatoes.
You can find fire roasted tomatoes in most grocery stores, usually in the canned tomato aisle. They come in different varieties, such as diced, whole, or with added seasonings like garlic and onion. However, if you want to make your own fire roasted tomatoes from scratch, you can use fresh tomatoes from your garden or farmers market.
How to Choose the Best Tomatoes for Fire Roasting
The best tomatoes for fire roasting are firm, ripe, and juicy. You want tomatoes that have a lot of flavor and flesh, and not too much water or seeds. Roma tomatoes are a good choice because they are meaty and have a low water content. You can also use plum, cherry, or grape tomatoes for smaller batches.
Avoid using overripe or bruised tomatoes, as they will fall apart easily and burn on the grill. You also want to avoid using green or unripe tomatoes, as they will be too sour and hard. Look for tomatoes that are bright red, smooth, and plump.
How to Fire Roast Tomatoes on the Grill
One of the easiest ways to fire roast tomatoes is on the grill. You can use a gas or charcoal grill, as long as it has a high heat setting. Here are the steps to follow:
- Wash and dry your tomatoes. Cut them in half lengthwise and remove the stems. You can also core them if you want to remove the seeds, but this is optional.
- Drizzle some olive oil over the cut sides of the tomatoes and sprinkle some salt and pepper over them. You can also add some fresh or dried herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, or chili seasoning for extra flavor.
- Preheat your grill to high heat and clean the grates well. Place the tomato halves cut side down on the grill and close the lid. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the skins are charred and blistered.
- Carefully flip the tomato halves over with tongs and cook for another 5 minutes, or until they are soft and juicy.
- Transfer the tomato halves to a baking sheet or a large bowl and let them cool slightly. Then peel off the skins and discard them. You can also chop or puree the tomatoes if you prefer.
How to Fire Roast Tomatoes in the Oven
If you don't have a grill or you want to make fire roasted tomatoes in large batches, you can use your oven instead. You will need a broiler setting on your oven and a baking sheet with a wire rack. Here are the steps to follow:
- Wash and dry your tomatoes. Cut them in half lengthwise and remove the stems. You can also core them if you want to remove the seeds, but this is optional.
- Drizzle some olive oil over a baking sheet and place the tomato halves cut side down on it. Sprinkle some salt over them. You can also add some garlic cloves or fresh rosemary sprigs for extra flavor.
- Preheat your oven to broil and place the baking sheet on the top rack of your oven. Broil for about 15 minutes, or until the skins are charred and blistered.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the tomatoes cool slightly. Then peel off the skins and discard them. You can also chop or puree the tomatoes if you prefer.
How to Store Fire Roasted Tomatoes
You can store fire roasted tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 6 month. To freeze fire roasted tomatoes, let them cool completely and then transfer them to freezer-safe bags or containers. Label and date them and store them in the freezer. To thaw them, place them in the refrigerator overnight or microwave them on low power until soft.
How to Use Fire Roasted Tomatoes
Fire roasted tomatoes are versatile and delicious. You can use them in any recipe that calls for canned tomatoes, such as tomato-based sauces, pasta dishes, soups, and more. They will add a rich and smoky flavor to your dishes that will make them taste like they've been simmering all day long.
Here are some examples of how to use fire roasted tomatoes:
- Make a quick and easy pizza sauce by blending fire roasted tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, oregano, and salt. Spread it over your pizza crust and top with cheese and your favorite toppings.
- Make a hearty and comforting chili by sautéing ground beef, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt in a large pot. Then add fire roasted tomatoes, kidney beans, chicken broth, and tomato paste and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until thickened.
- Make a fresh and zesty salsa by chopping fire roasted tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeño pepper, lime juice, and salt in a food processor or blender. Pulse until chunky or smooth as desired. Serve with tortilla chips or as a dip for grilled meats.
- Make a creamy and flavorful tomato soup by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper and cook until soft. Then add fire roasted tomatoes and chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Then puree the soup with an immersion blender or in batches in a blender. Stir in heavy cream and serve with crusty bread.
Why You Should Try Fire Roasted Tomatoes
Fire roasted tomatoes are a simple but effective way to elevate your cooking. They are easy to make at home with fresh tomatoes or to buy at the store. They have a complex and smoky flavor that enhances any dish that uses tomatoes. They are also nutritious and low in calories, as they are rich in vitamin C, lycopene, antioxidants, and fiber.
If you love tomatoes, you should definitely try fire roasted tomatoes. They will make your dishes more delicious and satisfying. Once you try them, you will never go back to regular canned tomatoes again.
0 Comments