If you’re a gardener or a food enthusiast, you probably know that Cherokee purple tomatoes are one of the most cherished heirloom varieties. With their rich flavor and texture, they are perfect for sauces, salads, and so much more. But have you ever wondered what else you can do with them?
In this blog post, we’ve compiled some of the most innovative and easy-to-follow recipes for cherokee purple tomatoes. We’ll cover everything from sauces to pasta dishes, and even show you how to freeze them. We’ll also explore some interesting facts about these purple powerhouses, and give you tips on what to do with overripe tomatoes.
So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, join us on this culinary adventure, and let’s make the most out of these delicious tomatoes!
Recipes for Cherokee Purple Tomatoes
Are you looking for a way to impress your dinner guests or simply want to add a unique flavor to your dishes? Cherokee Purple Tomatoes offer a burst of earthy and sweet flavor that can elevate any meal. Here are a few recipe ideas to try out:
Caprese Salad with Cherokee Purple Tomatoes
Who said salads have to be boring? This colorful dish is the perfect way to showcase your Cherokee Purple Tomatoes.
- Slice a few Cherokee Purple Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella Cheese.
- Arrange the tomato and cheese slices onto a platter, alternating between the two.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for added flavor.
- Top with fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Grilled Cherokee Purple Tomatoes
Are you tired of your standard grilled vegetables? Switch it up with these delicious Grilled Cherokee Purple Tomatoes.
- Slice the tomatoes in half and brush with olive oil.
- Grill for 3-4 minutes each side until lightly charred.
- Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Cherokee Purple Tomato Salsa
Add a twist to your taco night with this Cherokee Purple Tomato Salsa.
- Chop Cherokee Purple Tomatoes, Red Onions, Jalapenos, and Cilantro.
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl and squeeze in some lime juice.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos.
Cherokee Purple Tomatoes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Try out these recipes and enjoy the unique taste of Cherokee Purple Tomatoes in your meals.
Cherokee Purple Tomato Sauce
Have you ever had so many Cherokee Purple Tomatoes that you didn’t know what to do with them? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! One of the best ways to make use of these tomatoes is by turning them into a delicious sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes.
What You’ll Need
- 8-10 Cherokee Purple Tomatoes
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Let’s Get Cooking
- Begin by washing and roughly chopping the Cherokee Purple Tomatoes. Set them aside.
- Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes to the pan and stir to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the tomatoes break down and become soft.
- Using an immersion blender (or a regular blender), blend the sauce until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Use the sauce immediately or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
Sauce It Up
Now that you have your delicious Cherokee Purple Tomato Sauce, you can use it in a variety of dishes! Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Use it as a pizza sauce for a delicious and unique twist on a classic dish.
- Use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or mozzarella sticks.
- Use it as a base for a hearty tomato soup.
- Toss it with some pasta for a quick and easy dinner.
- Use it as a marinara sauce for meatballs or chicken parmesan.
The possibilities are endless! Don’t let those Cherokee Purple Tomatoes go to waste – turn them into a delicious sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes.
Heirloom Tomato Recipes Pasta
Are you tired of making the same old pasta dishes with boring, tasteless tomatoes? Let’s spice things up a bit with some heirloom tomatoes! These unique, flavorful tomatoes can take any pasta dish to the next level.
Classic Heirloom Tomato Pasta
First up, we have the classic recipe that everyone should try at least once. Cook some spaghetti until al dente and set aside. In a separate pan, sauté some minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant and add some diced Cherokee Purple tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes until the tomatoes have broken down into a sauce. Toss the sauce with the cooked spaghetti, add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and enjoy your mouth-watering meal.
Heirloom Tomato Caprese Pasta Salad
This dish is perfect for those hot summer days when you want something light and refreshing. Cook some farfalle pasta until al dente and rinse with cold water. In a separate bowl, mix together diced Cherokee Purple tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, chopped basil leaves, and balsamic vinegar. Add the cooked pasta and toss until everything is well combined. Chill the pasta salad in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
Heirloom Tomato and Sausage Pasta Bake
Looking for something a little more hearty? Try this delightful pasta bake that’s perfect for cozy nights in. Cook some rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions and set aside. In a separate pan, cook some Italian sausage until browned and add diced Cherokee Purple tomatoes, garlic, and chopped onions. Let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Combine the pasta and sausage mixture in a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella. Bake in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
With these delicious heirloom tomato pasta recipes, you’ll never go back to boring tomatoes again. Try them out for yourself and let us know which one is your favorite!
Best Heirloom Tomato Sauce Recipe
So, we all know that Cherokee Purple tomatoes are the best heirloom tomatoes out there. They’re delicious, juicy, and packed with flavor. But what do you do when you have too many of them and you don’t know what to do with them? You make some tomato sauce, of course!
Tomato Sauce 101
Now, making tomato sauce may seem like a daunting task, but fear not. It’s actually pretty easy, and the best part is that you can use it in so many different dishes. Just think of all the possibilities – spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, or even just a simple caprese salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To start off, you’ll need some fresh tomatoes – preferably Cherokee Purples – onions, garlic, tomato paste, olive oil, salt, and pepper. That’s it! Of course, you can add some other spices or herbs if you’d like, but those are the basics.
Recipe Time
First, you’ll need to peel the tomatoes. To do this, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Then, using a sharp knife, make a small X on the bottom of each tomato. Carefully drop the tomatoes into the boiling water and let them cook for about 30 seconds.
Next, remove the tomatoes from the pot and immediately transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water. This will stop the cooking process and make it easier to peel the skin off.
Once the tomatoes have cooled down, peel off the skin and cut them into quarters. Set them aside for now.
In a large pot, heat up some olive oil over medium heat. Add in the onions and garlic and cook until they’re translucent.
Now, add the tomato paste into the pot and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly.
Add in the quartered tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After 30 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool down for a bit.
Using an immersion blender, blend the tomato mixture until it’s smooth. Be careful not to splatter the hot liquid everywhere!
And there you have it – the best heirloom tomato sauce recipe, made with delicious Cherokee Purple tomatoes. Use it in your favorite dishes or freeze it for later use. Enjoy!
What Can You Do With Purple Tomatoes?
Purple tomatoes are a unique variety of tomatoes that are not just visually appealing. They offer a wide range of health benefits and can be used in various recipes that will make your taste buds dance.
Boost Your Immunity
Purple tomatoes are rich in antioxidants that help to boost your immune system. They contain anthocyanin, which gives them their unique color, and works as a powerful antioxidant that helps to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Adding purple tomatoes to your diet can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Heart Health
Purple tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps to lower cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart disease. They also contain folate, which is essential for heart health.
Skin and Hair
The high vitamin C content in purple tomatoes makes them an excellent food to promote healthy skin and hair. Vitamin C helps to produce collagen, which is essential for healthy skin and hair.
Appetizing Recipes
Purple tomatoes are perfect for making a wide range of recipes. You can use them to make salads, soups, sauces, and even pies. One popular recipe is the purple tomato and mozzarella salad. Simply mix sliced purple tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and you have a delicious, eye-catching dish.
Another great way to use purple tomatoes is to make a purple-tomato soup. Simply mix chopped purple tomatoes with onions, garlic, and basil, and simmer for 25 minutes. Blend the mixture, season with salt and pepper, and enjoy.
Finally, if you want something sweet, consider making a purple-tomato pie. Mix sliced purple tomatoes with sugar, cornstarch, and your favorite spices, and bake in a pastry shell. The result is a delicious, unique dessert that will impress your guests.
In conclusion, purple tomatoes are not just beautiful to look at; they offer a wide range of health benefits and can be used to make various delicious dishes. So the next time you see these colorful tomatoes at the grocery store or farmer’s market, don’t hesitate to try them out in your recipes.
How to Freeze Cherokee Purple Tomatoes
If you’ve picked a plentiful harvest of cherokee purple tomatoes and want to prolong the freshness of the produce, freezing is an excellent method to consider. Here’s how to do it:
1. Prepare the Tomatoes
Wash the tomatoes and remove the stems. Cut a small, shallow “X” on the bottom of each tomato with a sharp knife.
2. Blanch the Tomatoes
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the tomatoes and immerse them for 30–60 seconds, or until the skins start to loosen. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the tomatoes from the boiling water and plunge them immediately into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
3. Skin and Core the Tomatoes
Peel off the tomato skins using a small, sharp knife. Cut out the cores and discard them. Slice or chop the tomatoes as desired.
4. Freeze the Tomatoes
Arrange the sliced or chopped tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet or a tray lined with parchment paper. Place the tray in the freezer and let the tomatoes freeze for at least one hour.
5. Store the Tomatoes
Transfer the frozen tomatoes into an airtight container or a freezer bag. Label and date the container and store it in the freezer for up to twelve months.
Now that you know how to freeze cherokee purple tomatoes, you can enjoy their delicious, garden-fresh taste all year round. With this preservation method, you can capture the juicy essence of summer’s most coveted vegetable for use in sauces, stews, soups, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, freezing tomatoes is an easy and practical way to make the most out of your crop.
What to Do with Overripe Heirloom Tomatoes
If you’ve ever grown heirloom tomatoes before, you know that they can be finicky. One minute they’re green and hard, the next minute they’re ripe and delicious. But what do you do when you find yourself with a bunch of overripe heirloom tomatoes? Here are some ideas:
Make Tomato Jam
Tomato jam is a delicious spread that’s great on crackers, toasted bread, or even burgers. To make it, simply chop up your overripe tomatoes and cook them down with some sugar, vinegar, and spices. You can add in some jalapenos for a spicy kick or cinnamon for a warm, comforting flavor.
Make Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for using up overripe tomatoes. Start by sautéing some onions and garlic in a pot, then add in your chopped tomatoes and let them cook down until they’re mushy. Add in some broth, cream, and herbs, then blend it all up until it’s smooth and creamy.
Make Homemade Ketchup
Homemade ketchup is way better than store-bought, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Just cook down your overripe tomatoes with some vinegar, sugar, and spices until it’s thick and spreadable. You can customize it with your favorite seasonings, like garlic, onion powder, or cumin.
Make Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce is a kitchen staple that can be used in so many different ways. Just chop up your overripe tomatoes and cook them down with some garlic, onion, and herbs until it’s thick and saucy. Use it for pasta, pizza, or as a base for soups and stews.
Make Salsa
Salsa is a great way to use up overripe tomatoes, plus it’s perfect for summer snacking. Just chop up your tomatoes and mix them with some chopped onion, garlic, jalapeno, lime juice, and cilantro. Add in some salt and pepper to taste, then serve it with tortilla chips or use it as a topping for tacos.
What to Do with Cherokee Purple Tomatoes?
If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on some Cherokee Purple tomatoes, congratulations! These beauties are packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Here are some ideas on what to do with them:
Slice and Eat
The most straightforward way to enjoy Cherokee Purple tomatoes is to slice them up and eat them fresh. Add a sprinkle of salt and black pepper, and you’re good to go. The juicy texture and sweetness of these tomatoes make them perfect for snacking on or adding to salads.
Make Salsa
If you’re a fan of salsa, try using Cherokee Purple tomatoes as the base instead of regular tomatoes. The deep color and rich flavor of these tomatoes will add an exciting twist to your typical salsa recipe. Chop up some onions, cilantro, and jalapenos, and you’re on your way to a delicious and unique appetizer.
Roast Them
Roasting is another great way to enhance the flavor of Cherokee Purple tomatoes. Cut them in half and brush olive oil on the tops, then roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes. You can eat them as a side dish or use them as a topping for pizza or pasta.
Make Bruschetta
If you’re looking for a fancy appetizer, try making bruschetta with Cherokee Purple tomatoes. Simply chop them up and mix with some garlic, basil, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Spoon the mixture onto slices of crusty bread, and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser.
Juice Them
For a refreshing drink, try juicing Cherokee Purple tomatoes. They have high water content and are rich in antioxidants, making them an excellent choice for a healthy beverage. You can add some lime juice and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different ways. Whether you’re slicing them up fresh or roasting them to enhance their flavor, these tomatoes are sure to add a unique touch to your dishes. Try some of these ideas, and you’ll soon discover why Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a favorite among foodies.
