Recipe: Tomato Cakes
🕒 Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
🍽 Yield: 8 cakes
Description:
Tomato Cakes, a nostalgic dish from the Depression era, not only resonates with history but also caters to the preferences of weight-watchers and those following vegetarian or vegan diets. This versatile recipe can serve as a satisfying light meal or a delightful side dish, offering a different twist to your dining experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 fresh tomato
- 2 tomatoes (canned)
- 1/2 onion
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Crushed saltines
- Solid vegetable shortening or lard (for frying)
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 9.6
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 2.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 2.2g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Sugar: 1.3g
- Protein: 0.4g
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Mixture:
- Start by emptying the canned tomatoes into a medium-to-large bowl.
- Add finely chopped onion, salt, pepper, and crushed saltines to the bowl.
-
Mix Well:
- Thoroughly combine all the ingredients until well incorporated.
-
Refrigerate:
- Allow the mixture to rest in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together.
-
Form the Cakes:
- After refrigeration, mix the ingredients again.
- Shape the mixture into individual cakes, ensuring they hold their form.
-
Fry the Cakes:
- Heat solid vegetable shortening or lard in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Once the fat is hot, carefully place the tomato cakes into the pan.
- Fry the cakes until they turn golden brown on both sides, ensuring they are cooked through.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Tomato cakes are versatile and can be served as a main dish for a light meal or as a flavorful side dish.
- They pair exceptionally well with dishes like macaroni and cheese, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon or more of salsa to the mixture. However, be cautious not to add too much, as it might make the mixture too wet.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor according to your preference.
- Serve the tomato cakes with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for added taste sensations.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal option or a creative side dish to accompany your favorite entrée, these tomato cakes are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Enjoy the simplicity and flavor of this Depression-era classic with a modern twist! 🍅🍰
