Pan-Roasted Tomatoes: A Simple, Savory Delight

Pan-roasted tomatoes are a quick, easy, and healthy side dish to make when tomatoes are in abundance during the summer. They can be made in a skillet or on a flat griddle and are best cooked when the pan is very hot. The process is simple: heat oil in a pan, add tomatoes, and cook until blistered. You can also add herbs and spices like oregano, rosemary, salt, and red pepper flakes. Pan-roasted tomatoes are a delicious addition to any meal and can be served as a side dish, tossed with pasta, or used as a topping for pizza or bruschetta.

Choosing the right tomatoes

First, it is recommended to choose small to medium-sized tomatoes for roasting. Smaller varieties such as cherry, grape, or plum tomatoes are ideal. These tomatoes have a higher surface-to-volume ratio, which allows them to develop a delicious caramelized exterior while maintaining a juicy, slightly chewy texture on the inside. Their smaller size also means they cook more quickly and evenly, reducing the risk of burning or becoming mushy.

Campari tomatoes are a great choice for roasting as they are sweeter than other varieties. Their small size means they can be roasted whole or halved, depending on your preference. If you opt for larger varieties such as Roma or plum tomatoes, it is best to cut them into halves or even quarters to ensure even cooking.

Another factor to consider is the ripeness of the tomatoes. While ripe tomatoes are generally preferred for their flavour, slightly under-ripe tomatoes can hold their shape better during roasting. If you are using ripe tomatoes, be gentle when handling them to avoid crushing.

Finally, if you are using fresh tomatoes, look for those with smooth, taut skin and vibrant colour. Avoid any tomatoes with soft spots, bruises, or wrinkled skin as these may be past their prime.

By following these tips, you'll be sure to choose the right tomatoes for your pan-roasted dish, resulting in a delicious and visually appealing meal.

Preparing the skillet

To prepare your skillet, start by heating it over medium-high heat. It is recommended to use a cast-iron skillet as it distributes heat evenly. Once the skillet is heated, add 3 teaspoons of olive oil and swirl it around to coat the entire surface of the skillet. Be sure to use a non-stick skillet or griddle and ensure that the skillet is very hot before adding the tomatoes.

When adding the tomatoes to the skillet, gently place them in a single layer to prevent grease splatter and allow for even cooking. Keep in mind that the tomatoes should be added to the skillet as soon as it is hot to achieve better caramelization. However, after the first minute, you should turn down the heat.

If you are using cherry or grape tomatoes, simply toss them into the hot skillet without slicing. For larger tomatoes, slice them into fairly thick pieces.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for pan-roasted tomatoes depend on the type of tomatoes you are using and the level of caramelization you want to achieve.

For cherry or grape tomatoes, it is recommended to cook them in a skillet or on a flat griddle over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes, or until they start to blister. If you are using larger tomatoes, such as Roma or plum tomatoes, it is best to cut them into halves or quarters before cooking. In this case, you should cook them for a slightly longer time, about 7 minutes, or until they are slightly charred.

It is important to note that the longer you cook the tomatoes on the first side, the more caramelized they will become, but they will also get softer. So, if you want more caramelization without the tomatoes becoming too soft, it is recommended to cut them into slightly thicker slices. Additionally, make sure to use a single layer of tomatoes in the pan to ensure even cooking.

When pan-roasting tomatoes, it is best to use a cast-iron skillet as it distributes heat evenly. Before adding the tomatoes, heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil, such as olive oil, to coat the surface. Once the tomatoes are added, reduce the heat slightly after the first minute to prevent overcooking. The tomatoes are done when they are tender and have started to release their juices.

Adding herbs and spices

When it comes to adding herbs and spices to your pan-roasted tomatoes, the possibilities are endless! You can use a variety of fresh herbs, such as basil, rosemary, parsley, thyme, and oregano. You can also experiment with spices like red pepper flakes, sumac, and chilli pepper flakes.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to incorporate herbs and spices into your pan-roasted tomatoes:

• Choose Your Herbs and Spices: Decide on the combination of herbs and spices you want to use. You can go with a single herb, such as basil, or create your own blend by mixing several herbs and spices. For example, you could make an Italian blend with basil, oregano, and thyme, or experiment with a spicy blend using red pepper flakes and chilli pepper.
• Prepare the Herbs and Spices: Wash and finely chop your chosen fresh herbs. If you're using dried herbs or spices, you can skip this step. Measure out the desired amount of each herb and spice you plan to use.
• Add Herbs and Spices at the Right Time: The timing of adding your herbs and spices is crucial to maximising their flavour. Here are two common approaches:

• Add During Cooking: You can add the herbs and spices to the pan at the beginning or midway through the roasting process. This allows the flavours to infuse with the tomatoes as they cook. Simply sprinkle your chosen herbs and spices over the tomatoes before or after flipping them in the pan.
• Add After Cooking: Alternatively, you can add the herbs and spices after you've removed the tomatoes from the heat. This method preserves the fresh flavour and texture of the herbs. Simply toss the roasted tomatoes with the fresh herbs and spices in a bowl before serving.

• Adjust to Taste: When adding herbs and spices, start with a smaller amount and taste-test as you go. You can always add more, but it's difficult to reduce the intensity if you've added too much. Adjust the quantities to your preference.
• Get Creative: Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices. You can create unique flavour profiles by blending herbs and spices in different ratios. For example, you could make a Mediterranean blend with rosemary, thyme, and oregano, or a savoury blend with basil, parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Storage and Leftovers: If you have leftover pan-roasted tomatoes, you can store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. However, it's best to add fresh herbs and spices to the tomatoes just before serving, as their flavour and aroma will diminish over time.

Remember, the beauty of pan-roasting tomatoes is that you can customise the dish to your liking. Play around with different herbs and spices to find your perfect flavour combination!

Serving suggestions

Pan-roasted tomatoes are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• As a side dish: Roasted tomatoes can be a delicious and healthy side dish to accompany a variety of meals. Their sweet and savoury flavour can add a nice touch to your dinner table.
• With pasta: Toss the roasted tomatoes with pasta for a quick and easy meal. Try adding them to Spinach Artichoke Pasta or making a cheesy tomato pasta bake.
• Bruschetta: Pan-roasted tomatoes are a perfect topping for bruschetta. For a tasty treat, try them on Burrata Bruschetta or with some homemade pita chips.
• Salads: Add some flavour and texture to your salads by tossing in pan-roasted tomatoes. They pair well with greens like spinach or rocket.
• Soups: Use your roasted tomatoes as a base for a tasty soup. Try making a creamy tomato soup or blending them with other ingredients like roasted corn for a smoky flavour.
• Sandwiches: Pan-roasted tomatoes can add a juicy burst of flavour to sandwiches. Try them with Portobello Cheesesteak Sandwiches or any other sandwich of your choice.
• Pizza topping: Give your homemade pizza a unique twist by adding pan-roasted tomatoes as a topping.

Frequently asked questions