Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Many people consider roasted cherry tomatoes to be a secret superhero of the kitchen. It is a flavourful element that you can easily add to pastas, sandwiches, salads, creamy noodles, and pizza. Picture this: fresh, cherry tomatoes roasting in the oven with just the correct seasoning, and you can transform the simple cherry tomato into an excellent side dish.

Did you know that roasting tomatoes enhances the natural sweetness and creates a more concentrated flavour? Yup, that’s right, when tomatoes roast in the oven, they caramelize and become tangy with a subtle sweetness.

Ingredients

Cherry tomatoes, White Pepper, Salt.

Choose fresh cherry tomatoes that are semi-ripe. Make sure that it is firm and not overly soft. Cherry tomatoes are also called baby tomatoes and grape tomatoes. There are several different heirloom varieties, and they come in various colours, from red to yellow and orange. If you’re going for a fun dish to make for your kids, consider using colourful pasta shapes along with the various colours of cherry tomatoes.

White pepper is the secret ingredient in this recipe. Compared to black pepper, white pepper has a subtle flavour that complements the natural sweetness of the cherry tomato. It elevates the natural taste of the cherry tomatoes and takes the flavour over the top.

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to around 200 °C. You want to start by washing your cherry tomatoes in cold water. Pat the baby tomatoes with a dry kitchen towel. Slice your cherry tomatoes in half, and lay them out on a baking tray. Slice the tomatoes in half. Sprinkle generously with white pepper.

You want to use less salt so you can taste the sweetness from the tomatoes. Lightly drizzle with olive oil. Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. The taste will be accentuated after ten minutes.

Expert tips

Avoid overcrowding the tray with lots of tomatoes. You want to ensure that there is enough space for the cherry tomatoes to roast properly. Overcrowding will lead to steaming, and this will result in soggy cherry tomatoes. When there is plenty of space, the cherry tomatoes can shrivel up and caramelize with slightly crispy edges.

Choose olive oil or a neutral oil like grapeseed oil; this will allow the natural flavours of the cherry tomatoes to shine through. You can use various seasonings to enhance the cherry tomatoes, such as garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, and more.

What can you serve with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes?

Serve with your favourite pasta dishes or add as a topping on pizza. As a side dish, roasted tomatoes pair well with a fresh baguette. Bruschetta is another fun option to consider. Add a little basil on top for a rustic appetizer. Salads can also benefit from the boost of flavour from the cherry tomatoes. If you’re looking for a rich tomato experience, consider blending the roasted tomatoes into a smooth tomato soup to add depth as well as flavour.

How to Store Roasted Cherry Tomatoes?

Store the cherry tomatoes in an airtight container for three to five days. You can also extend the shelf life of the cherry tomatoes by storing them in a neutral oil like grapeseed oil. Avoid freezing; roasted cherry tomatoes do not freeze well, and the texture will change when defrosted.