Australian-style Cherry Tomatoes (Pomodorini all’Australiana)
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 6
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cherry tomatoes (Pachino) | 1 kg |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| White wine vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Oregano | 1 tsp |
| Thyme | 2 sprigs |
| Rosemary | 1 sprig |
| Fresh basil | 6 leaves |
| Capers (pickled) | 2 tbsp |
Instructions
- Begin by thoroughly washing and drying the cherry tomatoes. Cut them into quarters, ensuring they’re not too close together. Arrange the tomato quarters on one or more baking trays lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly sprinkle the tomatoes with fine salt (but not too much). Place the trays in a preheated oven set to 90ยฐC (194ยฐF). Let the tomatoes dry for 5-6 hours, depending on the size of the tomatoes. The result should be semi-dried tomatoes, where the pulp remains soft but the exterior is dry.
- Alternative Method: If you live in a sunny location, you can dry the tomatoes outside by placing them under a protective mesh net, which keeps insects away. In this case, the drying process will take about 2-3 days.
- Once the tomatoes are ready, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
- While the tomatoes cool, finely chop the rosemary leaves, thyme, basil, capers, and garlic cloves. Mix these chopped ingredients with the oregano.
- Once the tomatoes have cooled, transfer them to a bowl. Add the white wine vinegar, the chopped herb mixture, and extra virgin olive oil. Gently toss to combine. Taste and adjust the salt if necessary.
- Transfer the Australian-style cherry tomatoes to a container with a lid. Refrigerate and let them marinate overnight to allow the flavors to blend harmoniously.
These vibrant, herbed cherry tomatoes are a wonderful appetizer, perfect for sharing at your next gathering or adding a burst of flavor to your meals. The slow drying process brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, while the combination of herbs, vinegar, and olive oil enhances their richness. Enjoy this fresh and aromatic treat!
