Last Updated on May 15, 2024
Want to make fire-roasted tomatoes at home? Fire-roasted tomatoes add a sweet and smoky flavor to your cooking. From now on, you can replace canned tomatoes with this easy recipe.
When it comes to tomatoes, who doesn’t love them? Whether you’re snacking on a juicy slice straight from the vine, or spooning up a bowl of tomato soup, these vibrant, tangy fruits are truly a summertime staple.
But why not take that classic tomato flavor up a notch by fire-roasting them? They become even sweeter and more succulent and are the perfect addition to all your favorite dishes!
Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
Fire-roasted tomatoes are just what they sound like tomatoes that have been grilled or roasted over an open flame.
This cooking method not only helps to bring out the tomatoes’ sweetness, it also offers a smoky, charred flavor that you can’t get from using traditional methods of cooking.
They are becoming increasingly popular as people seek out new flavors and classic recipes alike.
Prepare fire-roasted tomatoes by placing them directly on a gas or charcoal flame and allowing them to soften and blacken over the flame.
Traditional oven roasting involves cutting the tomato in half and brushing it with oil, followed by roasting in a hot oven for about 20 minutes until browned and tender.
There are many ways to use them, from adding complexity to sauces and dressings to making salsas, soups, stews, pilafs, and even Tex Mex paste!
Fire-roasting also helps to unlock the rich flavor of some vegetables like bell peppers and eggplants when making ratatouille — or simply drizzled with olive oil as a dip alongside toasted bread!
Why You Should Make Your Own
There are many benefits to making your own fire-roasted tomatoes.
This method of cooking produces a unique flavor that adds depth and complexity to any dish while also allowing you to control the level of smokiness desired.
Homemade roasted tomatoes or green chiles also retain their natural sweetness and concentrate their flavors, making them perfect for adding intense flavor to sauces, stews, soups, and pasta.
Plus, homemade fire-roasted tomatoes provide a nutritious ingredient for everyday meals and dishes made with farm-fresh ingredients. It’s also quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes.
Cooking methods: Grill or Oven
You can prepare your fire-roasted tomatoes on a grill or in an oven. For the smoky charred flavor, I prefer grilling.
When cooking tomatoes on an outdoor grill or with a Cast Iron Skillet, it is best to use high heat.
To ensure that the skins char evenly and do not burn, allow the tomatoes to sit undisturbed on the grill for a couple of minutes.
Alternately, to roast tomatoes in an oven preheat the oven to 375° F (190° C). Roast the tomatoes for 15-20 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet until they are soft and their skins have charred. For best results, keep a close eye on the tomatoes and stir or flip them midway through cooking.
Once ready, let tomatoes cool before serving or using them in your favorite dish. As well as adding a smoky flavor, grilled or roasted tomatoes are delicious as a side dish or salad topping.
Plus, fire-roasted tomatoes can impart delicious flavor when tossed into sauces or blended into tomato soups!
Flavor Variations
This cooking method applies intense heat from either a grill, an open flame, or charred coals to the tomatoes to caramelize the natural sugars contained in the fruit.
This results in a roasted and smoky taste, in addition to bringing out some of their hidden sweetness.
When making fire-roasted tomatoes, you can use different types of tomatoes. Tomatillos, Roma tomatoes, and plum tomatoes are great for grilling.
Season as desired with herbs and spices so you can tailor it according to your preferences and dish ingredients.
Ingredients for Fire Roasted Tomatoes
- Roma Tomatoes (or Plum Tomatoes).
- Minced Garlic
- Olive Oil
- Italian Mixed Herbs – dried or fresh herbs.
- Salt & Pepper
How To Make: Step by Step
- Rinse and cut each tomato in half lengthwise. (You can core your tomatoes if you wish, but it is optional)
- To prepare, place the halved tomatoes in a large mixing bowl. Combine minced garlic, salt, pepper, Italian mixed herbs, and salt and pepper. Add olive oil and toss to coat.
- Pre-heat your oven to 375° F (190° C) or heat a cast iron skillet on high.
- For the grilling method: Spread tomatoes cut side up in an oil-coated grill basket or grill pan. Depending on size, grill until charred on both sides (approx. 4-5 minutes total). If you are making a large batch, cook it in batches.
- For oven roasting method: Roast tomatoes in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until charred. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Cover the tomatoes with olive oil and seal the jar. Keep refrigerated for later use.
Uses for fire roasted tomatoes
One way to use fire-roasted tomatoes is in Tex-Mex paste, vegan chili, vegan tortilla soup, or other stews called for tomato sauce (e.g. Sofrtias, Mexican Rice, or vegan birria consomé).
You also can combine these tomatoes with vegetables to make flavorful vegetable dishes, such as savory eggplant with fire-roasted tomato sauce.
The Smoky flavor also enhances salsas and pico de gallo dishes, giving them a unique taste that will delight your senses. Include them in salads or toss them with grilled vegetables for a twist on a grilled side dish that will be sure to please any palate.
As well as pizza or pasta sauces, it adds a distinctive flavor to bruschetta toppings; they pair beautifully with garlic and fresh basil leaves! No matter what type of dish you choose, fire-roasted tomatoes provide an excellent addition or substitute for fresh or canned tomatoes.
Storage and Shelf Life
If you want to preserve them for later use, consider freezing them into cubes or pureeing them into tomato paste before storing them in zip-lock bags or airtight containers.
If you store them in the refrigerator then they should be used within a few days for the best quality. You may also freeze fire-roasted tomatoes for up to 8 months.
Finally, pay attention to signs of spoilage before using fire-roasted tomatoes; discoloration, mold, and an off smell are all signals that tomato consumption is not recommended!
With these tips, you’ll be able to experience all the deliciousness fire-roasting has to offer any time you feel like it!
More Vegan Recipes
- Whole Wheat Tortillas
- Sofritas
- Tex Mex Paste
- Vegan Birria Consommé
- Vegan Chili
- Vegan Birria Tacos with Consommé
- Vegan Fajitas
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Vegan Mexican Rice
- Sticky Corn Ribs
- Tomato Avocado Toast
Homemade Fire-Roasted Tomatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 2.2 lb Roma Tomatoes 971 grams
Seasoning
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Italian Mixed Herbs
- 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
- ½ tsp Salt
Instructions
- Rinse and cut each tomato in half lengthwise. (You can core your tomatoes if you wish, but it is optional)
- To prepare, place the halved tomatoes in a large mixing bowl. Combine minced garlic, salt, pepper, Italian mixed herbs, and salt and pepper. Add olive oil and toss to coat.Pre-heat your oven to 375° F (190° C) or heat a cast iron skillet on high.
- For grilling method: Spread tomatoes cut side up in an oil-coated grill basket or grill pan. Depending on size, grill until charred on both sides (approx. 4-5 minutes total). If you are making a large batch, cook it in batches.
- For oven roasting method: Roast tomatoes in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until charred. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Cover the tomatoes with olive oil and seal the jar. Keep refrigerated for later use.
Nutrition
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