Tomato compote

The tomato compote is a simple yet delicious recipe which is perfect for those afternoon get-togethers. It is easy to prepare and economical for budget oriented individuals such as students and interns. Although the prep time can take anywhere from 2 hours to 3 hours, the actual cooking duration takes only about 30 minutes. The end result is a mouthwatering combination of meat and dried plum tomatoes which can be enjoyed by the whole family.

The tomato compote can be eaten hot or cold and can be served as a side dish with any kind of meat. It can also be added to salads or spread on sandwiches, making it an incredibly versatile recipe.

Health benefits

• Tomatoes are a major source of lycopene, an important antioxidant which has been linked with many health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
• Apart from lycopene, tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium and vitamin K.
• Together these nutrients help to regulate normal blood flow, prevent clotting, assist in the distribution of calcium throughout the body to help strengthen bones and reduce bone loss.

Ingredients

pounds of plum tomatoes: 5

water

virgin olive oil: 1 cup

Salt for seasoning

Freshly ground pepper

basil, finely chopped: 3 tbsp

How To Make Tomato compote

1. Preheat the oven to about 280 degrees.
2. Inscribe a shallow ‘X’ mark on the bottom of the tomatoes and transfer them to a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, stir in water and bring them to a boil.
4. Pour the boiling water over the tomatoes and let it stand for a minute.
5. Drain the tomatoes. Remove the skin from them and halve lengthwise.
6. Return the tomatoes to the bowl.
7. Stir in olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
8. Place a rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Arrange the tomatoes on the rack, cut sides up. Roast until it has a leathery texture. The process can take about 3 hours.
9. Add the tomatoes and basil in a food processor and blend until they are chopped up.
10. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
11. Add to salads or spread on a sandwich to enjoy.

Trivia

• Did you know that there are over 7500 varieties of tomatoes grown all over the world?
• There are several ways to eat tomatoes. Some people prefer to eat it raw like a fruit while others prefer to use it as an ingredient in dishes, sauces and salads.