What is Tomato Confit?
Tomato confit is a succulent and flavorful dish that is perfect for tomato season. This traditional French cooking technique involves slow cooking ripe tomatoes in olive oil with aromatic herbs and seasonings, resulting in a beautifully sweet flavor and tender texture. The confit tomatoes can be preserved in airtight containers or ice cube trays, making them versatile enough for use in a wide range of recipes, from salads to pasta dishes. Whether you’re looking to preserve your excess tomato crop or just looking for a delicious and easy way to enjoy these juicy fruits, tomato confit is a must-try recipe.
How to Make Garlic Tomato Confit
To make a delicious garlic tomato confit, all you need are a few simple ingredients: cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, thyme sprigs, salt, and pepper. Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it also requires minimal prep time and is a wonderful preservation method for tomato season.
Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F and preparing your cherry tomatoes. Slice them in half and place them in a baking dish, along with peeled and sliced garlic cloves, fresh thyme sprigs, salt, and pepper. Then, cover the mixture with quality olive oil, enough to completely submerge the tomatoes.
When baking, be sure to use an airtight container or a baking dish covered with foil to avoid excessive evaporation. Roast the mixture for 1-2 hours, or until the cherry tomatoes have become tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and allow the mixture to cool.
Serve your garlic tomato confit spread on crusty bread, or mix it into salad dressings or soft cheeses for a sweet flavor. You can even store your tomato confit by freezing small amounts in ice cube trays.
Overall, this French cooking technique using fresh herbs and balsamic vinegar results in juicy tomatoes with a sweet and savory flavor that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
- Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Fresh Thyme Sprigs: 4, leaves removed and chopped
- Fresh Tomatoes: 1 pound, halved
- Garlic Cloves: 6, peeled and sliced
- Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground
- Cherry Tomato Confit: 1 cup, drained
- Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon
- Balsamic Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
Here is the recipe:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, combine the basil, thyme, tomatoes, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the olive oil over the tomatoes and herbs, and toss to coat.
- Transfer the tomato mixture to a baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the tomatoes are soft and the garlic is golden brown.
- Stir in the cherry tomato confit, pepper flakes, and balsamic vinegar.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Garlic tomato confit is a delicious spread that can be used in a variety of ways. Made from juicy cherry tomatoes slow-roasted with garlic and herbs, this confit is a staple in French cuisine. To make this dish, you’ll need ripe cherry tomatoes, garlic cloves, kosher salt, black pepper, fresh thyme sprigs, and quality olive oil. Using larger tomatoes, such as plum or grape, will work as well. Additionally, some chefs like to add red pepper flakes or balsamic vinegar to the mixture for a little kick. To enhance the flavor, try using fresh basil or other herbs of your choice. Using the right ingredients will guarantee the success of your garlic tomato confit.
Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs can take any recipe to the next level by adding an explosion of flavor and aroma. When making garlic tomato confit, consider adding herbs like oregano, rosemary, marjoram, dill, and of course, fresh basil and thyme. These herbs will complement the sweet and tangy flavor of the tomatoes and add depth and complexity to the dish.
To incorporate the herbs, chop and sprinkle them over the tomatoes before roasting, or place them on top of the cooked tomatoes before serving. The herbs will infuse the tomatoes with their vibrant flavors and aromas.
Not only do fresh herbs add incredible taste, but they also have health benefits. Herbs like oregano and rosemary have anti-inflammatory properties, while dill and marjoram can aid digestion. Adding fresh herbs to your recipes is simple and so worth it. Give them a try in your garlic tomato confit for a burst of flavor and added health benefits.
Airtight Containers
When storing tomato confit, it’s crucial to use airtight containers to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage. As a preservation method, the tomatoes need to be fully submerged in oil and have limited exposure to air to keep them from spoiling quickly.
Airtight containers help to prevent cross-contamination with other food items in the fridge. They also keep the quality olive oil used in the recipe from going rancid quickly. Without a proper seal, air can oxidize the oil and cause it to turn sour, which can impact the flavor and quality of the tomato confit.
Using airtight containers when storing tomato confit ensures that the flavors and textures of the tomatoes and herbs are well-preserved. It guarantees that the juicy, sweet flavors of the tomatoes are locked in, and the aromatic herbs are infused well. Additionally, using airtight containers makes it easier to reheat and use the tomato confit for various dishes like salads, pasta, or on crusty bread.
To conclude, when looking for a way to preserve your tomato confit for maximum freshness and flavor, make sure to store it in airtight containers. This will help to ensure that your tomato confit tastes fresh and delicious every time you use it.
Baking Dish
When it comes to making Garlic Tomato Confit, choosing the right baking dish is crucial to achieving the perfect texture and flavor. A wide and shallow baking dish is the ideal choice for roasting the tomatoes for the confit. This type of dish allows for even heat distribution and evaporation of moisture, resulting in concentrated tomato flavor and a soft, juicy texture.
A metal or ceramic baking dish can work well for making Garlic Tomato Confit, but ensure that the dish is large enough to accommodate the tomatoes in a single layer without overcrowding. An overcrowded dish can lead to uneven cooking and may cause the tomatoes to become mushy and lose their shape.
When preparing the baking dish, it’s recommended to brush it with a thin layer of quality olive oil to prevent the tomatoes from sticking to the dish. Once the tomatoes are arranged in the dish, season them generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and any additional herbs or spices as desired.
Roasting the tomatoes in a properly sized, wide, and shallow baking dish allows for optimal heat distribution and moisture evaporation, resulting in a flavorful and succulent Garlic Tomato Confit.
Garlic Clove
Garlic plays a crucial role in making Garlic Tomato Confit. This culinary gem contributes immensely to the flavor and aroma of the dish after roasting. The head of garlic used should be fresh and of high quality to ensure the best results.
To prepare the garlic, simply peel off the outer layers and use four cloves that are finely chopped or grated. The finer the garlic, the greater the dispersion of flavor throughout the dish.
To achieve optimal results, add the garlic to the baking dish along with the tomatoes. The garlic and tomatoes infuse each other with their flavors, resulting in a delightful dish. Remember always to season with kosher salt, black pepper, and any additional herbs or spices as desired.
Garlic is undoubtedly a vital component in making a successful and flavorful Garlic Tomato Confit. Whether finely chopped or grated, fresh garlic adds depth and character to the dish that leaves a sweet flavor in the mouth.
Pepper Flakes
To add a bit of heat and depth of flavor to the Garlic Tomato Confit recipe, you’ll need to incorporate some pepper flakes. The amount of pepper flakes needed will depend on personal preference, but it’s important not to add too much to avoid overpowering the sweetness of the tomatoes.
A general guideline is to sprinkle about ½ teaspoon of pepper flakes over the tomatoes and garlic before covering them with virgin olive oil. This amount should provide a good balance of flavors and heat without being too overwhelming.
Pepper flakes are a great way to add some spice to the dish without detracting from the overall sweet flavor of the tomatoes. Just be sure to use them in moderation to maintain that perfect balance of flavors.
Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is an essential ingredient in garlic tomato confit recipes. This dark, syrupy vinegar is added to the dish to provide a subtle sweetness and tanginess that enhances the flavor of the tomatoes. Just a tablespoon of high-quality balsamic vinegar is enough to make a big difference in the taste of the dish, so be sure to choose a good one.
The sweetness and tanginess of balsamic vinegar perfectly complement the juicy and sweet cherry tomatoes used in this recipe, creating a harmonious and flavorful result. When combined with garlic confit, fresh thyme, and other herbs, the balsamic vinegar adds a depth of flavor that elevates this simple dish to new heights.
To use balsamic vinegar in your garlic tomato confit recipe, simply whisk or drizzle in a tablespoon of this delicious vinegar before baking your tomatoes in the oven. The result will be a savory and sweet dish that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a delicious topping on crusty bread or soft cheeses. So next time you’re in the kitchen, make sure to have balsamic vinegar handy to take your garlic tomato confit to the next level.
Fresh Basil
Fresh basil is a versatile and aromatic herb that can add a burst of flavor to many dishes, including garlic tomato confit. To incorporate fresh basil into this recipe, it can be added to the baking dish with the rest of the ingredients during the roasting process. Simply chop the basil into small pieces and sprinkle it over the tomatoes before roasting in the oven. The heat will gently infuse the basil’s herbaceous flavor into the dish.
Alternatively, fresh basil can also be used as a flavorful garnish. Once the garlic tomato confit is cooked and ready to serve, sprinkle some chopped basil on top for an extra pop of flavor and color.
The addition of fresh basil will elevate the garlic tomato confit, adding a subtle complexity to the dish’s overall taste. Its fragrant aroma complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the garlic, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Fresh basil is an excellent herb to add to this recipe, adding a fresh, flavorful touch to this classic French technique of tomato confit.
Fresh Thyme Sprigs
Fresh thyme sprigs are an essential ingredient in garlic tomato confit recipes. Their earthy and pungent flavor perfectly complements the tangy and rich flavors of the confit. Thyme also adds a layer of depth to the dish, making it more vibrant and aromatic.
To use fresh thyme sprigs, first, rinse them in cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Gently pat the sprigs dry with paper towels, making sure not to crush the delicate leaves in the process. Once the thyme sprigs are dry, add them to the tomato and garlic mixture along with other herbs and spices.
As the tomato confit simmers, the fresh thyme sprigs release their flavor and infuse the dish with their distinctive taste. When the confit is ready, remove the thyme sprigs and discard them. The result is a dish with a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
In conclusion, fresh thyme sprigs are an essential ingredient in garlic tomato confit recipes. They add an earthy, pungent flavor that perfectly complements the tangy and rich flavors of the dish. Properly rinsed and patted dry, these sprigs are capable of infusing the tomato confit with a burst of flavor that elevates the dish to new heights.
Cherry Tomato Confit
Cherry tomato confit is a versatile and delicious sauce that adds a burst of sweet flavor to a host of dishes. Whether you’re looking to elevate your breakfast or a dinner recipe, cherry tomato confit won’t disappoint. Spread it on toast, toss with pasta, or serve it as a condiment alongside grilled chicken or fish.
To make cherry tomato confit, preheat your oven to 300°F. In a baking dish, mix together cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic cloves, and your favorite fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Roast in the oven for 1 to 2 hours, until the tomatoes are softened and caramelized.
Once cooled, you can store your cherry tomato confit in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This preservation method also allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in an even more tantalizing taste.
Whip up a batch of cherry tomato confit and get creative with how you incorporate it into your meals. Trust us, the sweet flavor will add a whole new level of deliciousness to your favorite dishes.
Fresh Tomatoes
Tomato confit is a French cooking technique that involves slow-cooking tomatoes in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a soft, sweet flavor. While the recipe above specifies the use of cherry tomatoes, there are several other types of tomatoes that can be used for confit.
Cherry tomatoes are small and sweet, making them perfect for this cooking process. Date tomatoes have a thicker texture and a chewy sweetness that can add depth to the dish. Plum tomatoes are oblong and meaty, making them ideal for sauces and spreads. Grape tomatoes are small and oblong with a thin skin and a juicy interior, making them great for salads and snacking.
When making tomato confit, it’s important to use ripe tomatoes for maximum sweetness and juiciness. Choose tomatoes that are plump and have a deep, rich color. Avoid using tomatoes that are overripe or too soft, as they may become mushy during the cooking process.
Tomato confit is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various ways. It can be added to pasta dishes, used as a topping for pizza, or spread on bruschetta. It also makes a delicious topping for proteins like chicken and fish. With its sweet flavor and versatile uses, tomato confit is a must-try for any home cook.
Kosher Salt
Black Pepper
| Cooking Time: 60 Minutes | Prep Time: 15 Minutes | Calories: 250 per serving (based on 4 servings) | Servings: 8 People |
Responses