Whether you’ve got a glut of tomatoes you’re looking to preserve or want a delicious new way to enjoy cherry tomatoes – this tomato confit is just what’s needed. I’ve already shared methods for ‘sun-dried’ tomatoes and how to make Tomato Purée/Paste. Now, these slow-roasted tomatoes are cooked with garlic and oil and then stored in jars to use in tons of different ways. While the tomatoes are slow-roasted in the oven, the actual prep time is just minutes. The method consists of super-simple steps and just 4 ingredients (not including salt and pepper). Once roasted, your preserved tomatoes now have deep roasted flavor and a concentration of herb flavor – they are perfect as a condiment or a side to jazz up tons of meals. Even better, toss them into roasted tomato soup, they really make it something special. Did you know that, according to several studies, when tomatoes are eaten alongside healthy fats like olive oil, our bodies can absorb the carotenoid phytochemicals (like Lycopene) in tomatoes between 2-15x more than without? However, there’s one slight caveat – to get the full benefits, the tomatoes have to be cooked – perfect for this tomato confit!
What Is Tomato Confit?
Confit (pronounced con-fee) is a French preservation method traditionally used for building up pantry foods – with a focus on poultry, in particular, that’s slow-cooked in its own fat with some salt. With this tomato confit, these slow-roasted tomatoes are cooked in olive oil with garlic and herbs and then stored together in sterilized jars. This allows you to enjoy the fresh flavors of the roasted tomatoes for longer. The slow cooking in the fat affects the food in a way that makes it harder for bacteria to grow. Meanwhile, storing the tomatoes in oil helps to reduce oxidization, which leads to further spoilage.
Tomato Confit Vs. Roasted Tomatoes
The biggest difference between the two methods is the amount of oil used. Whereas roasted tomatoes are drizzled with oil, tomato confit bathes in the oil. Not only does the extra oil help the tomatoes to hold their shape, but it also slows down the process of caramelization – meaning the tomatoes retain more of their fresh flavor.
The Ingredients
Tomatoes: make sure to use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. I used just red cherry tomatoes, but you can use baby plum tomatoes, or mixed color cherry tomatoes, etc. Extra virgin olive oil: you’re going to need A LOT for this recipe, so don’t cringe. You can use a mild, less expensive cooking olive oil option, but try to use extra virgin olive oil at least to take advantage of the additional health benefits. Herbs: I used thyme. However, you can experiment with others, including oregano, chili flakes, rosemary, etc. Garlic: it infuses the oil with a wonderful additional flavor. Salt & Pepper.
How To Make Tomato Confit
Step 1: Add the items to a deep baking tray or casserole dish. I placed the thyme first, then added the tomatoes and cloves. I left the green tops of the tomatoes and the garlic skin. You can remove them in advance if you prefer. Step 2: Add the olive oil. Add enough so that the tomatoes are all covered at least 1/3 of the way. Step 3: Slow roast tomatoes in the oven for 2-2.5 hours at 195ºF/90ºC(fan-assisted). The tomatoes should begin to burst and blister but without entirely losing their plump shape.
How To Serve
I wasn’t kidding when I said there were dozens of ways to enjoy these slow-roasted tomatoes. Here are just a few of my top picks.
As a side to your favorite proteins: meat, fish, or tofu, etc. On toast – even better if it’s paired with homemade cream cheese or mozzarella or over avocado toast. Similarly – as antipasti on bruschetta – like with this mushroom toast. Add a few to this Burrata Caprese salad and other salads. Serve alongside cooked grains (like brown rice or quinoa) for extra flavor. Use to top Pasta dishes and bakes – like this Vegetarian One-Pot Pasta bake, Fresh Home-made Spinach Green Pasta Salad, or Easy Homemade Potato Gnocchi. Within tortilla wraps, falafel wraps, and burritos To top burgers – like this Sweet Potato Burger With Portobello Mushroom Bun or Pumpkin Bean Burger With Spicy Mayo Sauce. To top large dishes of dip like creamy hummus or baba ganoush.
And more! Let me know in the comments what your favorite ways of using this cherry tomato confit would be.
Related Recipes
Garlic Confit (& Garlic Oil) How to Make Tomato Purée/ Paste How to Make “Sun-Dried” Tomatoes (In Oven or Dehydrator) Simple Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Easy And Delicious Marinara Sauce Recipe Easy Homemade Creamy Tomato Soup
If you try this slow-roasted tomato confit recipe, then let me know your thoughts and questions in the comments. I’d also really appreciate a recipe rating and would love to see your recreations – just tag @AlphaFoodie.
