Introduction
Marinated cherry tomatoes are a delicious and versatile dish that can brighten up any meal. Fresh, juicy, and bursting with flavor, these tomatoes are perfect as a side, on bruschetta, or even tossed with pasta. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes, enhanced by the aromatic combination of garlic, shallots, oregano, and fresh basil. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the beauty of fresh ingredients.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 shallot, finely minced
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4 as a side dish
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Step 2: Halve the Tomatoes
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each cherry tomato in half lengthwise.
Step 3: Combine Tomatoes in a Bowl
Place the halved tomatoes in a medium-sized mixing bowl, ensuring they form a single layer for even marination.
Step 4: Add Shallots and Garlic
Add the finely minced shallots and garlic to the bowl, distributing them evenly over the tomatoes.
Step 5: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle the dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the tomato mixture.
Step 6: Add Oil and Vinegar
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and white balsamic vinegar over the seasoned tomatoes.
Step 7: Incorporate Fresh Basil
Scatter the roughly chopped fresh basil leaves on top.
Step 8: Toss the Ingredients
Gently toss all the ingredients together until the cherry tomatoes are evenly coated with the marinade.
Step 9: Marinate the Tomatoes
Cover the bowl and let the tomatoes marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 10: Serve the Marinated Tomatoes
Serve the marinated cherry tomatoes as a side dish, over grilled bread for a bruschetta-style appetizer, or toss them with fresh mozzarella and pasta for a quick and easy lunch.
Notes
Note 1: Freshness Matters
Use the freshest cherry tomatoes you can find for the best flavor.
Note 2: Marination Time
Letting the tomatoes marinate longer than 30 minutes can enhance the flavor, but do not exceed 2 hours at room temperature.
Note 3: Customization
Feel free to customize the recipe with additional herbs or spices according to your taste preferences.
Cook techniques
Rinsing
Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water to remove any dirt or residue before preparation.
Halving
Using a sharp knife, cut each cherry tomato in half lengthwise for even marinating and presentation.
Mincing
Finely mince the shallots and garlic to distribute their flavors evenly throughout the dish.
Layering
Place halved tomatoes in a single layer in a mixing bowl to ensure even coating with the marinade.
Seasoning
Sprinkle dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the mixture for enhanced flavor.
Drizzling
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and white balsamic vinegar over the tomatoes for added richness and acidity.
Tossing
Gently toss the ingredients together to coat the tomatoes evenly with the marinade.
Marinating
Cover the bowl and let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute white balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for a different taste.
How long can I store the marinated tomatoes?
Marinated tomatoes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I add other herbs?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme, parsley, or chives for varied flavor profiles.
What can I serve with marinated tomatoes?
Marinated tomatoes are delicious on grilled bread, as a side dish, or tossed with pasta and fresh mozzarella.
Is it necessary to let the tomatoes marinate?
While it’s not strictly necessary, marinating allows the flavors to develop and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Conclusion
The marinated cherry tomatoes offer a delightful burst of flavor, enhanced by the aromatic notes of garlic, shallots, and fresh basil. This simple dish not only elevates your meals but also serves as a versatile component that can complement various culinary creations, making it a wonderful addition to your recipe repertoire.
Serve as a Salad
Combine the marinated cherry tomatoes with mixed greens, cucumbers, and feta cheese for a refreshing salad.
Bruschetta Topping
Use the marinated tomatoes as a topping for toasted baguette slices, drizzling with additional balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Pasta Salad
Toss the marinated cherry tomatoes with cooked pasta, olives, and mozzarella for a quick pasta salad.
Oven-Roasted Vegetables
Add the marinated tomatoes to a mix of seasonal vegetables before roasting for enhanced flavor.
Pizza Topping
Spread the marinated tomatoes over pizza dough along with mozzarella and your favorite toppings for a fresh twist.
Grain Bowl Component
Incorporate the marinated tomatoes into a grain bowl with quinoa or farro, avocados, and roasted chickpeas for a wholesome meal.
Chicken or Fish Marinade
Use the marinade as a flavorful glaze for grilled chicken or fish, adding a fresh dimension to your proteins.
