Smoked tomatoes have a rich and intense flavor with a smoky undertone. The texture is soft and tender, with a slightly chewy skin and a juicy interior that bursts with flavor. If you’ve got in season tomatoes, absolutely throw a couple of these on your smoker as a side dish while smoking your main course, or even for use as an ingredient in other dishes.
Jump to RecipeHow to Choose Fresh Tomatoes
When selecting fresh tomatoes, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, look for tomatoes that are firm to the touch but yield slightly when pressed, indicating that they are ripe. The skin should be smooth and free of blemishes or cracks.
The color should be vibrant and uniform, with no green or yellow patches. Take a sniff to see if the tomatoes have a fresh, slightly sweet aroma, which is a good sign that they are ripe and flavorful. Lastly, trust your instincts – if a tomato looks or smells off, it’s probably best to pass it by.
How to Store Fresh Tomatoes
To store fresh tomatoes, it’s important to keep them at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the cold temperatures can cause the texture and flavor to deteriorate.
If the tomatoes are not yet fully ripe, you can place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana to speed up the ripening process. Once the tomatoes are ripe, use them within a few days for the best flavor and texture.
Wood Pairing for Tomatoes
When smoking tomatoes, it’s best to use woods such as apple, cherry, and hickory because they provide a mild and sweet flavor that complements the natural taste of the tomatoes without overpowering it. Apple wood has a slightly sweet aroma and adds a light smoky flavor to the tomatoes, while cherry wood adds a fruity and subtle sweetness to the smoke.
Hickory wood has a stronger flavor and can add a bold and slightly bitter taste to the tomatoes, which can be balanced out by using it in small amounts or mixing it with other woods.
However, some types of wood should be avoided when smoking tomatoes. Hardwoods like oak, mesquite, and pecan have a strong and distinct flavor that can be overpowering when used to smoke tomatoes.
Smoked Tomato Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large tomatoes
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. thyme
- 1 tbsp. rosemary
Seasoning
- 1 tsp. sea salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tbsp. smoked paprika
Recommended Wood
- apple wood, cherry wood, or hickory wood
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
- Cut the tomatoes in half and place them cut-side up.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika.
Cook
- Place the tomatoes on the preheated smoker.
- Smoke for 2-3 hours, or until the tomatoes are tender and lightly charred on the edges.
- Remove the tomatoes from the smoker and let them cool to room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Calories: 50
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
How to Store Smoked Tomatoes
To store smoked tomatoes, it’s best to first let them cool completely to room temperature before storing. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for longer-term storage.
How to Reheat Smoked Tomatoes
To reheat smoked tomatoes, there are a few methods you can use depending on your preference. For a quick and easy option, you can simply microwave the tomatoes for 20-30 seconds or until heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven by placing them in a baking dish and heating at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed to your liking. If you want to add some extra flavor, you can also pan-fry the tomatoes in a bit of olive oil or butter until lightly browned and crispy on the edges. However, be careful not to overcook the tomatoes. They can become mushy and lose their texture if cooked for too long.
What are Tomatoes?
Tomatoes are a fruit that are widely consumed around the world. They have a juicy flesh and a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. Tomato plants are grown in warm regions with well-drained soil and ample sunlight.
In North America, tomatoes are typically in season from July through October, although they are available year-round due to their widespread cultivation and long shelf life. Tomatoes are grown in many parts of the United States, including California, Florida, and Georgia.
Tomatoes are a good source of several important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant. They also contain other beneficial compounds, such as beta-carotene and flavonoids.
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