Dried tomatoes - Italy's gift that adds a nutritious punch to your dishes
Dried tomatoes, a gift from Italy, result from a unique preservation method involving sun-drying for about ten days. During this process, tomatoes are sprinkled with salt, laid out on metal trays, and secured with a net, losing about 88 to 93 percent of their mass. Though massively reduced in size, these dried tomatoes retain dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and the beneficial compound lycopene.
7:21 AM EST, January 23, 2024
Dried tomatoes: A nutritional powerhouse
Fascinatingly, processed tomatoes keep their nutritional and health benefits. Ingredients like lycopene, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties, remain influential in battling common lifestyle diseases. Dried tomatoes contain more lycopene than fresh ones, an essential compound in preventing cardiovascular diseases.
Apart from lycopene, dried tomatoes are rich in potassium and magnesium, components beneficial for heart health. Calcium and iron are also present, aiding in fighting osteoporosis and preventing anemia. The high vitamin C content boosts immune function, while the fibers promote healthy digestion. Notably, they are more calorically dense, with each 3.5 oz serving containing around 250 calories (this could be more if the tomatoes are oil-packed).
Adding dried tomatoes: A versatile enhancement
Dried tomatoes make a delightful addition to various dishes. They elevate the flavor profiles of salads, sauces, and soups. Using them in vegetable omelets, spaghetti sauce, grain pots, homemade casseroles, or pizza can give priority to your dish. A standout concoction, however, is the famed dried tomato soup. The following ingredients are required:
- 28.2 oz of passata or canned tomatoes,
- 2 cups of stock,
- 10 dried tomatoes,
- 1 clove of garlic,
- 1 onion,
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil,
- 1/2 teaspoon of oregano,
- 1/2 teaspoon of rosemary,
- 1/2 teaspoon of basil,
- salt, pepper, and sugar to taste.
Start by chopping the onion and garlic, then sauté them in olive oil. Add the herbs and chopped dried tomatoes, followed by the passata (or canned tomatoes). Stir for a moment before pouring in the broth and adding seasoning. Wait for the soup to boil, and then blend until smooth. It pairs well with pasta, rice, or croutons.
