Vibrant Italian Marinated Tomatoes: A Fresh & Flavorful Salad Dressing
Vibrant Italian Marinated Tomatoes: A Fresh & Flavorful Salad Dressing
Fresh Tomatoes Marinated with Fragrant Basil – An Italian Classic
Discover the delightful taste of Italian-style marinated tomatoes, a dish enjoyed in Italy much like kimchi or geotjeori in Korea! This recipe transforms fresh, ripe tomatoes and aromatic fresh basil into a vibrant dressing bursting with Mediterranean flavors. It’s not only a delicious salad on its own but also a versatile sauce that can elevate many other dishes. Prepare this refreshing marinade at home for a touch of Italian sunshine in your meals.
Ingredients- 10 ripe tomatoes
- 60g fresh basil
- 1 onion (medium-sized)
- 100ml extra virgin olive oil (approx. 1/2 cup)
- 8 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 8 Tbsp lemon juice
- 8 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2/3 Tbsp salt (or to taste)
- Pinch of black pepper (freshly ground recommended)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly washing the fresh tomatoes under running water and patting them dry. Gently rinse the fresh basil leaves and drain well, as you’ll be chopping them later.
Step 2
Carefully remove the core from each tomato. Then, make a shallow cross-shaped incision (like a ‘+’ sign) on the bottom of each tomato. This will help the skin peel off easily after blanching.
Step 3
For the basil, you can use both the leaves and the tender stems. If the stems are particularly woody, feel free to discard them and use only the leaves. In this recipe, we’re using the tender stems and leaves as they are soft and fragrant.
Step 4
Fill a pot with plenty of water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, carefully add the prepared tomatoes. Use a spoon to gently rotate them, ensuring all sides are submerged in the hot water for even blanching. When the incisions start to slightly open up, it’s time to remove them immediately.
Step 5
Immediately transfer the blanched tomatoes into a bowl of cold water or an ice bath. This rapid cooling stops the cooking process and makes peeling much easier. Rinse them under cold running water, changing the water 2-3 times, until they are completely cool.
Step 6
Once cooled, drain the tomatoes well using a colander. Let them sit for a short while to allow excess water to drip off, but avoid drying them out completely.
Step 7
With the tomatoes now cool to the touch, gently peel the skin off, starting from the incised part. If the skin is still a bit stubborn, you can briefly re-dip them in hot water.
Step 8
Cut the peeled tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm cubes, and place them in a large mixing bowl. Finely chop the fresh basil and add it to the bowl. If you prefer a milder basil flavor, you can reduce the amount from 60g to around 20g.
Step 9
Finely mince the onion and add it to the bowl along with the minced garlic. If you find raw onion too pungent, you can soak the minced onion in cold water for a few minutes and then squeeze out any excess moisture before adding.
Step 10
Now it’s time to add the marinade ingredients. Pour in the measured extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and honey. Season with the salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 11
Using a spatula or spoon, gently stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to mash the tomatoes; the goal is to coat them evenly with the dressing.
Step 12
Gently toss the prepared tomato pieces with the dressing, ensuring each piece is well coated. Mix carefully to avoid bruising the tomatoes.
Step 13
Allow the marinated tomatoes to sit and meld their flavors. Letting them rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes will help the flavors deepen.
Step 14
Transfer the marinated tomatoes into a clean storage container. Airtight glass or plastic containers work best.
Step 15
Pour any remaining dressing from the mixing bowl over the tomatoes in the container. This will keep the tomatoes moist and flavorful.
Step 16
Your delicious Italian Marinated Tomatoes are ready! Seal the container and store it in the refrigerator. Enjoy them as a side salad, topping for pasta, bruschetta, or any dish that needs a burst of fresh flavor. For an even richer taste, let them marinate for at least a day before serving.
