Blistering Pan-Tomatoes: A Quick, Tasty Treat

Blistering tomatoes is a quick and easy way to add flavour to any meal. It involves cooking tomatoes in hot oil in a pan to make them sweet and savoury, as well as extra juicy. Blistering cherry tomatoes opens up a whole new avenue of dishes. They can be added to a breakfast plate, topped on a salad or grain bowl, or served as a side dish.

Choosing the right tomatoes

Type of Tomatoes:

Look for cherry or grape tomatoes. Both varieties work well for blistering due to their small size and sweet flavour. Grape tomatoes tend to be slightly smaller than cherry tomatoes, so keep that in mind if you want more bite-sized pieces. Cherry tomatoes are extra sweet and have plenty of pectin, making them ideal for a fast and easy sauce or as a topping.

Freshness and Seasonality:

Try to choose ripe, fresh tomatoes that are in season, ideally during their summertime peak. Tomatoes that are fully ripe will have a more intense flavour and a juicier texture. If you can, opt for locally grown tomatoes from a farmer's market or your garden, as they are likely to be fresher and more flavourful than imported ones.

Quantity:

Depending on the number of people you're serving, you'll need about 2 cups or 2 pints (4 cups) of cherry or grape tomatoes. This quantity typically serves four people as a side dish. However, you can adjust the recipe accordingly if you're cooking for a larger crowd or want to make a bigger batch.

Quality:

Select firm, plump tomatoes with smooth, bright skin. Avoid tomatoes with wrinkles, soft spots, or bruises, as they may not hold their shape well during the blistering process. Look for tomatoes that are evenly coloured and free from any signs of mould or decay.

Storage:

To ensure the best flavour and texture, use fresh tomatoes that have been stored properly. Keep them at room temperature, as refrigeration can affect their taste and texture. If you must store them in the refrigerator, let them come back to room temperature before blistering for the best results.

Remember, the key to successful blistering is starting with high-quality, fresh tomatoes. By choosing the right type, buying in-season produce, and selecting ripe, firm specimens, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious blistered tomatoes that will elevate any meal.

Using the right oil

Blistering tomatoes is all about using the right oil. The oil is essential to the blistering process and choosing the right one can elevate your dish.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is the most recommended oil for blistering tomatoes. It adds a depth of flavour to the tomatoes, making them utterly sweet and savoury. It is also the best option for nutritional absorption. The lycopene in tomatoes has been linked to improved health benefits, and cooking tomatoes with olive oil increases the body's ability to absorb this antioxidant.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is another option for blistering tomatoes. It has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand the high heat needed for blistering without burning. Avocado oil also has a mild flavour, so it won't overpower the taste of the tomatoes.

Other Oils

While olive and avocado oils are the most commonly suggested, you could also use vegetable or canola oil. These oils have a more neutral flavour, so they won't add as much depth of flavour as olive oil, but they will still get the job done.

How Much Oil to Use

The amount of oil you use will depend on the number of tomatoes you are blistering. You want to make sure the tomatoes are coated in oil, so they get that juicy, savoury flavour. A good rule of thumb is to use 1-2 tablespoons of oil for every 2 cups of tomatoes.

Heating the Oil

It is important to heat the oil before adding the tomatoes. You want it to be hot, but not smoking. This will help create that blistered, charred effect on the tomatoes. Blistering the tomatoes should only take about 2 minutes per side, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or burning.

Preparing the aromatics

Selecting the Ingredients:

• Choose your aromatics: The most commonly used aromatics for blistering tomatoes are garlic, shallots, and herbs like basil. You can use them individually or in combination.
• Garlic: Opt for fresh, firm garlic cloves with a papery skin. Two to three cloves should be sufficient, but feel free to add more if you're a garlic lover.
• Shallots: Look for large, firm shallots with dry, papery skin. You'll need one large shallot, thinly sliced.
• Herbs: Basil is a popular choice for its fresh flavour, but you can also experiment with other herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano.
• Mince or slice the garlic: You can either mince the garlic cloves or thinly slice them. Mincing will give a more intense flavour, while slicing will provide a milder taste and a beautiful visual element to the dish.
• Thinly slice the shallot: Slice the shallot into thin pieces. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and adds a subtle savoury note to the tomatoes.
• Chop the herbs: Finely chop your chosen herbs. For basil, you can stack the leaves, roll them tightly, and chop them to create thin ribbons.

Cooking the Aromatics:

• Heat the oil: In a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat your preferred oil (olive oil or avocado oil) over medium-high heat.
• Add aromatics: Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and shallots to the pan. Cook them briefly until they become fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter. Stir constantly during this step.
• Combine with tomatoes: After the aromatics are fragrant, add the whole cherry tomatoes to the pan and let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes. This will allow the tomatoes to start blistering.
• Stir and cook further: Give the tomatoes a gentle stir and then let them cook undisturbed for an additional minute. This will ensure even blistering.
• Finish with seasonings: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. The lemon juice adds a bright, fresh touch to the dish.

Remember, the key to successful blistering is minimal stirring at the beginning to allow for a nice char and even blistering. Additionally, working in batches is advisable if you're preparing a large quantity of tomatoes to prevent them from steaming instead of roasting.

Cooking the tomatoes

Blistering tomatoes is a quick and easy process that can elevate any meal. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, you will need to select the right tomatoes. Cherry or grape tomatoes are the best choice for blistering, and it is important to choose ripe, high-quality tomatoes for the best results. Heirloom cherry tomatoes are a great option if you want to add some colour to your dish.

Next, prepare your ingredients. Blistering tomatoes requires minimal ingredients, but the quality of these ingredients will impact the final flavour. You will need a good olive oil or avocado oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add herbs such as basil, Italian seasoning, rosemary, oregano, or thyme. If you want to add a tangy flavour, balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze is a great addition.

Now, you are ready to start cooking. Heat your oil in a large pan over medium to medium-high heat. It is important that the oil is hot before adding the tomatoes, so leave it to heat up for a few minutes. Once the oil is hot, add the tomatoes to the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Leave space around each tomato so that they can blister properly. If your pan is too small, cook the tomatoes in batches.

Let the tomatoes cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes. This will allow the first charred side to develop. After 2 minutes, stir the tomatoes or shake the pan to rotate them and blister all sides.

At this point, you can add the aromatics. Toss in the garlic, salt, and pepper, and stir together with the tomatoes. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on the garlic to ensure it does not burn.

Once the tomatoes are blistered to your liking, remove the pan from the heat. Top with chopped fresh basil or your desired herbs, and serve.

Blistered tomatoes are a versatile dish that can be used in many ways. Enjoy them as a side dish, on toast, in a salad, or as a topping for pasta, chicken, fish, or steak.

Serving suggestions

Blistered tomatoes are a delicious addition to almost any meal. Here are some ways you can serve them:

As a Side Dish

Blistered tomatoes can be served as a side on their own. They also go well with a mezze platter, alongside hummus, baba ganoush, or creamy whipped feta. You can also serve them with crumbled feta, toasted pine nuts, or a drizzle of basil pesto sauce.

With Proteins

Think of blistered tomatoes as a warm, juicy condiment that can be topped on grilled steak, lamb chops, baked salmon, or baked cod. They can also be served on Greek yogurt with crusty bread, or on crostini with goat cheese and basil.

With Eggs

Blistered tomatoes pair well with fried eggs, sautéed spinach, and avocado slices for a delicious breakfast.

In a Salad or Grain Bowl

Add blistered tomatoes to a hearty salad or grain bowl. They taste amazing with a salmon asparagus salad.

In Pasta

Blistered tomatoes can be tossed with pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan. You can also add them to a pesto chicken pizza or lemon caper pasta.

Frequently asked questions