Hello friends, welcome to Paulina Cocina! Imagine a jar full of candied tomatoes that look like they came straight from a Pinterest photo. Sounds good, right?
We have good news for you: today we're going to prepare the perfect recipe for candied tomatoes that you can make at home, and in a very simple way.
We'll cover everything from how to make homemade candied tomatoes to the best tips for making them last longer . Want to know how they differ from sun-dried tomatoes in oil? We'll explain that too.
And at the end, of course, the complete recipe with some foolproof tips for candied cherries . Take note!
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About Confit Tomatoes
tomatoes are , essentially, a culinary treasure. But first, let's understand what " confit " means. It's a technique that involves cooking something slowly in oil or fat , at a low temperature , like when we make caramelized onions .
What this technique achieves is that the food becomes tender, juicy, and full of flavor . In the case of candied cherry tomatoes , the magic happens because the tomato's natural sugars are concentrated and slightly caramelized, creating an explosion of sweetness in every bite.
Unlike sundried tomatoes in oil or dehydrated tomatoes , which undergo a pre-dehydration process, resulting in a more intense flavor but also a less juicy texture, candied tomatoes retain all their freshness and natural juiciness.
How to Make Confit Tomatoes: 3 Ways and Techniques
- Pan-Fried Tomatoes: If you're looking for something quick and easy , this is the ideal method for making confit tomatoes. In a large pan, add the cherry tomatoes, a little olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat until the tomatoes soften and the skin begins to wrinkle.
- Baked Confit Tomatoes: The classic and probably the most popular version, these baked confit cherry tomatoes are a hit because the dry heat of the oven helps caramelize the tomatoes' natural sugars . They're placed in a dish, topped with oil, garlic, and herbs, and baked at a low temperature for about two hours. The house is filled with an aroma that promises good things.
- Slow Cooker Confit Tomatoes: For those who love convenience and own a slow cooker, this method is a dream. Just place all the ingredients in the pot, set the temperature to low, and let time do its work. It's ideal for those who want results without the hassle .
How to preserve candied tomatoes: The 4 key points
By following some important care, candied cherry tomatoes can last for several weeks:
- Sterilized jars: Wash the jars well and boil them for 10 minutes to eliminate any bacteria . This ensures the tomatoes stay in perfect condition. Jars can also be sterilized in the microwave .
- Cover with oil : This is key. Candied fruits should always be completely covered in oil . This creates a protective layer that prevents bacteria or mold from entering.
- Store in the refrigerator: Although olive oil can solidify at low temperatures, it's best to keep jars of confit tomatoes in the refrigerator for safety.
- Check before use: It is always important to check for signs of mold or unpleasant odors before consuming candied tomatoes.
The ideal oil for making candied tomatoes
Oil is the soul of confit tomatoes , so choosing the right one is crucial. Extra virgin olive oil is the undisputed star. Not only does it enhance the flavor of the tomatoes, but it also adds its own fruity and slightly bitter note.
Plus, the oil left over from caramelized tomatoes makes a spectacular dressing for salads or breads. If you're looking for a milder flavor , you can mix the olive oil with a little sunflower oil. This is also a good way to save a little money , as candied tomatoes require quite a bit of oil.
5 ways to enjoy candied cherry tomatoes
- In summer salads : candied tomatoes bring .
- As a topping: Candied cherry tomatoes are perfect for replacing traditional tomatoes on homemade pizza or bruschetta .
- With some pasta : Homemade noodles with candied tomato sauce , it's simply a poem.
- With meat or fish : As a garnish for baked meat or grilled salmon
- With bread : Straight from the jar, with a good piece of homemade bread , because candied tomatoes are that irresistible.
7 Tips for Perfect Candied Tomatoes
- The right tomato: Cherry tomatoes are the favorite, but you can also make confit tomatoes with pear tomatoes or any small, juicy variety.
- Fresh or dried herbs : Basil, rosemary, or thyme work wonders. But be careful with the quantities, as they can overpower the tomato flavor .
- Garlic : But the whole cloves, so they add flavor without invading the flavor of the candied tomatoes.
- Patience: Confit is slow . If you rush the process, you lose the magic.
- Sea salt: Helps bring out the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Quality oil: Don't skimp here. The oil will be part of the final result .
- Caramelized with help: A touch of sugar or honey can help enhance the sweetness , especially if the tomatoes are not at their best.
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Confit Tomatoes Recipe
Yields: 2 medium jars
Preparation time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 500 g cherry tomatoes
- Extra virgin olive oil (or mixed with sunflower oil)
- 2 garlic cloves (you can crush them a little to release their oil)
- 2 sprigs of rosemary (or other herb of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional)
- Sea salt to taste
How to make candied tomatoes in the oven step by step
- Preheat the oven to 120°C. Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes. You can cut them in half or leave them whole.
- Place them in an ovenproof dish. Add the whole garlic cloves, rosemary, sugar, and salt.
- Sprinkle with olive oil and bake for 2 hours, checking occasionally, until they are more or less dry, depending on your taste and intended use.
- Remove from the oven, let cool, and place in sterilized jars covered with oil. Keep refrigerated.
