Summer is here, and with it comes a bountiful harvest of juicy, ripe tomatoes. Whether you’ve got a garden overflowing with them or picked some up at your local farmer’s market, you know that the real challenge isn’t enjoying their flavor – but rather finding ways to use them all up before they go bad! That’s why we’ve rounded up 20 delicious and creative recipes to help you make the most of your tomato surplus. From classic comfort foods like homemade tomato soup to international-inspired dishes like tomato and lentil curry, there’s something on this list for every taste bud.
Stay tuned for our top picks and get ready to dig in!
Classic Homemade Tomato Soup
Classic Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
A comforting and flavorful soup that’s perfect for any time of the year, this classic tomato soup is a staple in many households. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups fresh or canned tomatoes (crushed or diced)
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, broth, and dried basil. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.
6. If using cream, stir it in just before serving.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta
A classic summer pasta dish that highlights the flavors of fresh tomatoes and basil. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice
– 2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add diced tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they start to release their juices.
4. Stir in chopped basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with tomato mixture. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Roasted Tomato Bruschetta
Roasted Tomato Bruschetta: A flavorful twist on the classic bruschetta recipe, this dish combines the sweetness of roasted tomatoes with the crunch of toasted bread and the tanginess of fresh basil.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large tomatoes, cored and halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the tomato halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic.
3. Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they release their juices and start to caramelize.
4. Meanwhile, toast the baguette slices for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned.
5. To assemble, place a toasted bread slice on a plate, top with a roasted tomato half, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and drizzle with any remaining tomato juices.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese Salad
The classic Italian Caprese salad is a simple yet flavorful combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil. This recipe brings together the best of Italy’s flavors in just a few easy steps.
Ingredients:
– 3 large tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Arrange the tomato slices on a large plate or platter.
2. Place a round of mozzarella cheese on top of each tomato slice.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad, then sprinkle with balsamic vinegar.
4. Top with chopped basil leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Slow-Cooked Tomato Jam
This sweet and tangy jam is perfect for topping toast, using as a spread, or adding to sandwiches. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful condiment that’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, cored and chopped
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine the chopped tomatoes, sugar, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
3. After 8 hours, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth.
4. Add the water and stir well.
5. Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Spicy Tomato Chutney
A flavorful and spicy condiment perfect for accompanying grilled meats, naan bread, or as a dip for snacks. This recipe is easy to make and uses readily available ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2-3 green chilies, seeded and chopped
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, green chilies, ginger, cumin, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir well.
4. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the chutney thickens slightly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
6. Let it cool before storing in an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tomato and Onion Tart
This savory tart combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the tanginess of fresh tomatoes, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 3-4 ripe tomatoes, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
2. In a large skillet, caramelize the onions over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown (about 20-25 minutes).
3. Arrange the caramelized onions and diced tomatoes in a spiral pattern on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle with garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Tomato and Feta Stuffed Peppers
Elevate your snack game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines sweet bell peppers with savory tomato and feta cheese. Perfect for a quick appetizer or light meal, these stuffed peppers are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff each pepper with the tomato-feta mixture, filling to the top.
5. Place peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
7. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Tomato and Avocado Salsa
Add a burst of flavor to your next gathering with this simple and delicious salsa recipe that combines the sweetness of tomatoes and the creaminess of avocados.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe tomatoes, diced
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and jalapeño pepper.
2. Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the mixture and toss gently to combine.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Just before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time)
Tomato and Corn Chowder
A classic summer soup that combines the sweetness of corn with the tanginess of tomatoes, perfect for a comforting meal on a warm evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized tomatoes, diced
– 1 cup fresh corn kernels
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little bit of oil until softened.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, corn kernels, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tomato and Herb Frittata
A flavorful breakfast or brunch option that combines fresh tomatoes and herbs with creamy eggs and crispy crust.
Ingredients:
– 6 eggs
– 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and a pinch of salt.
3. Heat the olive oil in a 9-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they start to soften.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes or until edges start to set.
6. Sprinkle chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the eggs are almost set.
8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with grated cheese (if using).
9. Return to the stovetop and cook over low heat for an additional 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tomato and Lentil Curry
Tomato and Lentil Curry Recipe
A flavorful and nutritious curry that combines the richness of lentils with the tanginess of tomatoes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the lentils, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Tomato and Garlic Confit
This sweet and savory confit is a perfect accompaniment to bread, crackers, or as a topping for pasta, meat, or vegetables. It’s also a great way to use up ripe tomatoes and garlic.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, cored and halved
– 6-8 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the tomato halves and garlic.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
5. Transfer the mixture to a shallow baking dish or a ceramic confit dish.
6. Bake for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are tender and the garlic is caramelized.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Tomato and Zucchini Bake
A flavorful and healthy side dish that’s perfect for any meal, this Tomato and Zucchini Bake is a great way to get your daily dose of veggies. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can enjoy the sweet and savory combination of tomatoes and zucchinis in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized zucchinis, sliced
– 1 large tomato, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss together the sliced zucchinis, diced tomato, and minced garlic.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with chopped parsley.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Tomato and Basil Risotto
This creamy and flavorful risotto is a perfect representation of Italian cuisine’s emphasis on simplicity, quality ingredients, and technique. With the sweetness of tomatoes and the brightness of basil, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups mixed cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the broth in a separate pot and keep warm.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add Arborio rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes or until lightly toasted.
5. Add warmed broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
6. After 20-25 minutes of cooking, stir in cherry tomatoes and basil.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Tomato and Chickpea Stew
This comforting stew is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, with the sweetness of tomatoes, the creaminess of chickpeas, and the slight tang of cumin. It’s a simple and satisfying meal that’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in cumin and smoked paprika (if using). Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let stew cook for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Tomato and Spinach Quiche
A classic quiche filled with the flavors of fresh tomatoes and spinach, perfect for brunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch tart pan.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and parsley.
4. Arrange diced tomatoes and chopped spinach leaves on the bottom of the pie crust.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the quiche is set and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Tomato and Cheddar Muffins
Start your day with a delicious twist on traditional muffins! These savory treats combine the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the tanginess of sharp cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes (about 2 medium-sized)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, egg, and milk to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
4. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tomato and Balsamic Glazed Chicken
Elevate your chicken game with this sweet and tangy recipe that combines the flavors of ripe tomatoes and rich balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the diced tomatoes, garlic, and thyme. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and the mixture is syrupy.
5. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Brush the glaze all over the chicken breasts and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is coated in the glaze and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Tomato and Eggplant Parmesan
A classic Italian-American dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch. This recipe combines the flavors of tomato, eggplant, and melted mozzarella cheese for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
3. Dip each eggplant slice into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place coated eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
6. In a separate skillet, sauté diced tomatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper until tender.
7. Assemble the Parmesan by layering baked eggplant slices with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
8. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Get creative with your tomato surplus! This collection of 20 flavorful recipes will help you use up tomatoes quickly and efficiently. From classic homemade tomato soup to spicy tomato chutney, these dishes showcase the versatility of this versatile ingredient. Enjoy fresh flavors with pasta and bruschetta, or try your hand at a slow-cooked jam or tart. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options too, including lentil curry, frittata, and quiche. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or something new to spice up your meals, these recipes have got you covered!
