Make Your Own Pickled Tomatoes
Have you ever found yourself staring at a basket brimming with ripe roma tomatoes, wondering how you’ll ever use them all before they spoil? I’ve been there! After spending the summer tending to my garden, the last thing I want is to let any of those beautiful tomatoes go to waste. That’s when I turn to canning — it’s such a rewarding way to preserve the bounty of the season and enjoy it all year long.
If you’re like me, and you cherish the taste of homemade, you’ll love this easy recipe for pickled tomatoes. With just a few ingredients and about 35 minutes of prep (the rest is simply waiting for the pickling magic to happen), you can transform your tomatoes into a vibrant, tangy condiment that pairs perfectly with countless dishes. It’s like capturing a bit of summer sunshine in every jar.
And trust me, the process is so much easier and more enjoyable with the right tools. That’s why our Canning Starter Kit is a must-have for anyone new to preserving or even seasoned pros looking to upgrade their gear. It comes with everything you need to get started, so you can savor your harvest all year long!
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Serving: 10
Ingredients:
Image by Дарья Яковлева from Pixabay
▶ 3 lbs roma tomatoes, washed and dried
▶ 4 garlic cloves, sliced
▶ 4 bay leaves
▶ 1 bunch parsley
▶ 1 bunch dill, 3-4 stems
▶ 1 stalk scallions
▶ 3 oak leaves
▶ 2 tbsp whole black peppercorns
▶ 6 tbsp sea salt
▶ 2 tbsp sugar
▶ 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
Instructions:
Sterilize the jars and lids: In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil and carefully submerge your jars and lids. Let them sterilize for about 15 minutes to ensure they're fully sanitized. Use a pair of cooking tongs to safely remove the jars and lids from the water, placing them on a clean surface to dry.
Pack the jars with ingredients: Once your jars have cooled slightly, start filling them with your ingredients. Add a few sprigs of oat leaves, scallions, fresh dill, parsley, bay leaves, garlic cloves, and, of course, your fresh tomatoes. Be sure to leave some space at the top for the brine to cover everything completely.
Prepare the brine: Carefully pour the water from the filled jars back into a pot, as this will become the base for your brine. To the pot, add sugar, salt, and whole black peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes to dissolve the seasonings and infuse the water with flavor. After 5 minutes, stir in the vinegar to give the brine its necessary tang.
Fill the jars with brine: Pour the prepared brine back into each jar, making sure to cover all the ingredients. If needed, top off the jars with a bit more boiling water to remove any air pockets. This helps to prevent leakage and ensures the tomatoes and herbs are fully submerged.
Seal the jars: Place the sterilized lids on the jars and close them tightly. To create a stronger seal and ensure the preservation process, carefully turn the jars upside down and let them rest in this position for two to three days.
Let the tomatoes pickle: Depending on the size of the tomatoes, the pickling process will take about one to two weeks. Store the jars at room temperature or slightly cooler until you're ready to enjoy your pickled tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions:
Cheese Board Delight: Elevate your cheese board by arranging pickled tomatoes alongside creamy cheeses. Their tangy bite complements rich varieties like cheddar, gouda, feta, and goat cheese, creating a perfect flavor balance.
Salad Enhancer: Add a burst of flavor and acidity to your green salads, pasta salads, or potato salads by tossing in diced pickled tomatoes. They bring a zesty kick that brightens up any salad.
Sandwich Upgrade: Give your sandwiches a flavorful boost with slices of pickled tomato. They add a delightful tang to grilled cheese, BLTs, or even a classic turkey sandwich, making each bite more exciting.
Burger Perfection: Top your juicy burgers with tangy pickled tomatoes. Their sharpness adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the richness of the meat, making your burger even more irresistible.
Savory Cocktail Twist: Enhance your cocktails by adding a spear of pickled tomato to a Bloody Mary or martini. The savory touch adds a unique depth of flavor that elevates your drink experience.
Tips:
Play around with the herbs! Feel free to add other aromatics like thyme or rosemary to customize the flavor profile.
Want them spicier? Throw in a red chili pepper flake or two with the brine.
These pickled tomatoes make fantastic gifts! Package them in a cute basket for a unique and thoughtful present.
With minimal prep and cook time, you can have a delightful addition to your meals for weeks to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pickled Tomatoes:
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Pickled tomatoes can last for several months if stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, they should be kept in the refrigerator and used within a few weeks.
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While you can pickle any type of tomato, smaller varieties like cherry or grape tomatoes are often preferred because they pickle evenly and maintain their texture better.
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Basic equipment includes sterilized jars, a canning lid, and a pot for boiling water. For best results, make sure all equipment is properly sanitized.
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You can customize the spice levels by adjusting the amount of spices and herbs in the pickling brine. Common additions include garlic, dill, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
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It’s generally not recommended to reuse pickling brine due to potential contamination and changes in flavor. For best results, make a fresh batch of brine each time you pickle.
Unlock the Joy of Home Canning with Our Starter Kit and Cookbook!
Ready to start preserving your garden’s bounty? Our Canning Starter Kit has everything you need, from jars and lids to essential tools, making the canning process a breeze. Pair it with our Complete Canning Cookbook for easy, delicious recipes and expert tips to ensure your pickled treats turn out perfectly every time. Get started today and enjoy homemade goodness year-round!
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