If you find you have an excess of tomatoes, there are several creative and practical ways to use them before they go bad. Here are some ideas for making the most of those extra tomatoes:
Make tomato sauce:
Boil and puree tomatoes to make homemade tomato sauce. You can add garlic, onions, herbs and spices for flavor. Freeze or can the sauce for future use in pasta, pizza or casseroles.
Grilled tomatoes:
Roast tomatoes with olive oil, garlic and herbs. Serve them as a side dish, salad, or as a topping for bruschetta. Roasted tomatoes will keep in the refrigerator for a few days.
Tomato sauce or chutney:
Turn tomatoes into sweet and savory jams or chutneys. It's a delightful condiment that pairs well with cheese, meat, or as a spread on sandwiches.
Freeze for later use:
Wash and chop tomatoes, then freeze until ready. Frozen tomatoes can be added to soups, stews, and sauces straight from the freezer.
Tomato Salad:
Make a refreshing tomato salad with cucumbers, red onions, basil and feta or mozzarella cheese. Season with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Tomato soup:
Make a batch of homemade tomato soup. You can enjoy it immediately or freeze portions for later. Customize flavors with herbs and spices.
Sun-dried tomatoes:
Sun-dry tomato slices or use a dehydrator to make sun-dried tomatoes. Store them in olive oil or freeze them to use in pasta, salads, or as a pizza topping.
tomato juice:
If you have extra tomatoes, consider making fresh tomato juice. You can enjoy it on its own or use it as the base for cocktails like a Bloody Mary.
Canning or Preserving:
Preserve tomatoes by canning them. You can canned tomatoes, tomato salsa, or tomato paste for long-term storage.
Share with others:
Consider sharing extra tomatoes with friends, family, or neighbors. This is a great way to spread kindness and reduce food waste.
Donate to a local food bank:
If you have a lot left over, consider donating some tomatoes to a local food bank or community organization.
By getting creative in the kitchen and exploring different recipes, you can make the most of your extra tomatoes while enjoying their delicious taste and nutritional value.
