Today, I want to share with you a delicious and easy recipe for preserving cherry tomatoes in the freezer. This method will allow you to enjoy the burst of flavor from these roasted tomatoes all year round. Plus, it’s a great way to use up the abundance of cherry tomatoes from your garden before they go bad.
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
To start off, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Fresh herbs (such as basil, thyme, or rosemary)
- Salt and pepper
Here’s how to prepare this delicious recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the cherry tomatoes and pat them dry.
- Place the cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Add some fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Toss everything together to coat the tomatoes evenly.
- Spread the cherry tomatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until they are slightly shriveled and starting to caramelize.
- Remove the cherry tomatoes from the oven and let them cool completely.
Now that you have your roasted cherry tomatoes, it’s time to preserve them in the freezer.
Freezing Herb Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags
Instructions:
- First, make sure your roasted cherry tomatoes are completely cooled down.
- Transfer the roasted tomatoes into the freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents.
- Seal the containers or bags tightly.
- Place the sealed containers or bags in the freezer.
Now, whenever you want to enjoy the rich flavors of your oven-roasted cherry tomatoes, simply take out a portion from the freezer and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
These frozen and roasted cherry tomatoes are incredibly versatile. You can use them in a variety of dishes such as pasta sauces, soups, stews, or even as a topping for pizza or bruschetta. The possibilities are endless!
Preparation time for this recipe is around 30 minutes, including roasting the tomatoes. You can easily double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch for freezing.
As for the number of servings, it depends on how you plan to use the roasted cherry tomatoes. You can divide them into smaller portions according to your needs.
Nutrition Facts:
Since this recipe only contains cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs, it is low in calories and packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants. Cherry tomatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.
Tips:
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when freezing and using roasted cherry tomatoes:
- Make sure to use ripe and flavorful cherry tomatoes for the best results.
- You can customize the herbs and spices according to your taste preferences.
- When using the thawed roasted tomatoes, you can blend them into a sauce or simply heat them up and enjoy as a side dish.
- Freezing the roasted tomatoes will help preserve their flavor and texture for several months.
- Feel free to experiment with different seasoning combinations and herbs to create your own unique flavor profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I freeze cherry tomatoes without roasting them?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze fresh cherry tomatoes by washing and drying them thoroughly, then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. However, roasting the tomatoes adds a depth of flavor that enhances their taste.
Q: How long can I keep the frozen roasted cherry tomatoes?
A: When stored properly in the freezer, the roasted cherry tomatoes can last up to 6 months without any significant loss in quality.
Q: Can I use frozen roasted cherry tomatoes directly in recipes without thawing?
A: Yes, you can use the frozen roasted tomatoes in recipes without thawing them. Simply add them directly to your dishes and let them thaw as they cook.
So there you have it - a simple yet delicious way to preserve the flavors of cherry tomatoes by roasting and freezing them. This method allows you to enjoy the taste of summer all year long. Give it a try and elevate your favorite dishes with the rich flavors of roasted cherry tomatoes!
