Oven dried tomatoes are the perfect and easy way to get into preserving if you are feeling daunted by all the processes.
With minimal work you can have intensly flavoured tomatoes which are perfect for sharing boards, antipasti, pasta dishes, for bread making and so much more.
This is perfect if you grow your own tomatoes and these preserved tomatoes make a perfect gift too!
Bon appètit!
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Why you will love this recipe
- really easy to do and no special equipment required
- makes an easy and impressive gift
- so many different uses in the kitchen
These tomatoes are perfect as a gift for a foodie, especially if you grow your own tomatoes. We all tend to have a glut of tomatoes in the summer season this is an easy way to use them up.
Buying gifts in rural France is not easy and many preserved foods are expensive. It's also customary to take a homemade item for the host if you are invited to someone's home for drinks or dinner. These tomatoes are always well received as they are so versatile.
What are the ingredients?
For this recipe I used plum tomatoes but you can use any homegrown or bought tomatoes. Obviously home grown, fresh tomatoes will have a more instense flavour but all tomatoes will improve with the oven drying process.
You will also need olive oil, salt, dried basil, garlic and sugar.
How to make oven dried tomatoes and preserve in oil
It is so simple to preserve tomatoes this way. Just a few hours in the oven but you don't need to do anything while the tomatoes slowly fry out and become sweet and delicious.
I started with 16 plum tomatoes but use whatever you have. Obviously smaller tomatoes will need less cooking time. Give them a good wash.
Line a grill pan with foil and replace the grill.
Cut the tomatoes in half from core to tip and place cut side up.
Sprinkle with the salt, sugar, dried basil and olive oil.
Turn the oven to its lowest heat setting and put the tray of tomatoes inside with the door slightly ajar.
Bake for between 8 and 12 hours. The tomatoes should be dry but still pliable.
Divide the mixture between 4 sterilised jars. I keep jars from bought sauces. Add the finely sliced garlic and more herbs at this point if you like.
Top up the jars with regular olive oil and make sure that the tomatoes are completely covered in the oil. Cover with a screw top lid.
They are ready to use in a few days but will improve the longer they are left.
Recipe FAQs
Wash the jars thoroughly in hot soapy water. Arrange the jars and lids on an oven proof tray and place in an oven preheated to 160C/325F/Gas3 for 10 minutes.
Allow to cool slightly before filling.
In sterilised screw top jars the tomatoes will last about 3 to 4 months. To preserve up to 2 years you will need to heat process the jars.
Top tips
- make sure that you start with unblemished fruit for the best results
- don't skimp on the sterilising or the tomatoes will go mouldy
- no need to use virgin olive oil
- skip the basil and use dried rosemary or thyme
- add some finely chopped red chillies for a kick
More tomato recipes
📋 Recipe
Preserved, Oven Dried Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 1 kg plum tomatoes about 16 sliced in half from core
- 4 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic finely sliced
- extra dried herbs and olive oil to preserve
Instructions
- Place the tomatoes, cut side up, on a wire rack over an oven tray.
- Roast on lowest setting for about 8 hours with the door slightly open.
- Remove when dry and pliable and pot into about 4 sterilised jars.
- Cover totally with olive oil.
Notes
Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
Detailed instructions for this recipe, including step by step photographs, hints and tips, can be found in the main article.
ChgoJohn
Why buy sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil when it is so easy to do at home? A big plus is that you control the quality of the tomatoes used. I've pinned this.