Slow-Cooked Vine Tomatoes with Garlic Recipe
Introduction
Slow-cooked vine tomatoes with garlic make a wonderfully rich and comforting dish that brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. Perfect as a warm dip or a flavorful addition to pasta and pizza, this simple recipe is easy to prepare and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
- 300g cherry vine tomatoes
- 1 or 2 small garlic bulbs, cut in half to expose the flesh
- 150ml olive oil
- Crusty bread, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 150C (130C fan)/gas mark 2. Place the tomatoes and halved garlic bulbs in a baking dish that fits them snugly. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Pour the olive oil over the tomatoes and garlic, then cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake in the oven for 1¼ hours until the tomatoes are soft and bursting.
- Step 3: Remove the foil, squash the garlic to release the soft flesh, and stir it into the olive oil and tomatoes. Serve warm with crusty bread for dipping, or use as a sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Toss the slow-cooked tomatoes and garlic through hot pasta for an instant, flavorful sauce, or use them as a delicious topping on homemade pizza.
Storage
Allow the cooked tomatoes and garlic to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat gently or enjoy cold as a flavorful condiment.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, you can use regular vine tomatoes. Cut them into smaller pieces to match the size of cherry tomatoes for even cooking.
Is it necessary to cook the garlic with the tomatoes?
Cooking the garlic whole softens its flavor, making it sweet and mellow, which complements the tomatoes beautifully. It also infuses the olive oil for added richness.
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Slow-Cooked Vine Tomatoes with Garlic Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Slow-cooked vine tomatoes with garlic is a simple, flavorful dish perfect as a warm accompaniment or a versatile sauce base. Cherry vine tomatoes and garlic bulbs are gently baked in olive oil until tender and infused with rich, sweet flavors. This easy recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy the natural sweetness of slow-cooked tomatoes, ideal served with crusty bread or tossed through pasta.
Ingredients
Tomatoes & Aromatics
- 300g cherry vine tomatoes
- 1 or 2 small garlic bulbs, cut in half to expose the flesh
Other Ingredients
- 150ml olive oil
- Crusty bread, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 150°C (130°C fan) or gas mark 2 to ensure a slow, gentle cooking process that will soften the tomatoes and mellow the garlic.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Place the cherry vine tomatoes and halved garlic bulbs into a baking dish that fits them snugly. This allows for even cooking and concentrated flavors.
- Season and Add Olive Oil: Season the tomatoes and garlic well with salt and pepper. Pour over the 150ml of olive oil to coat the ingredients, which will help infuse the flavors during cooking.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil to trap moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 1¼ hours until the tomatoes have softened and the garlic is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven, squash the softened garlic cloves to release their creamy texture, and stir into the oil and tomato juices. Serve the mixture warm with crusty bread or use as a sauce for pasta or pizza.
- Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Notes
- The slow cooking at low heat gently caramelizes the tomatoes, intensifying their sweetness and flavor.
- This dish can double as a super flavorful sauce base for pasta or as a pizza topping.
- Use good quality olive oil for the best flavor and richness.
- Ensure to cover the dish with foil to prevent the tomatoes from drying out during the long baking process.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated and the garlic-infused oil adds great depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: slow cooked tomatoes, baked garlic tomatoes, cherry tomatoes recipe, olive oil tomato sauce, easy vegetarian side dish
