Easy and Delicious Recipes with Dehydrated Tomatoes to Elevate Your Meals

Looking for ways to level up your cooking? Recipes with dehydrated tomatoes are a total game changer, adding depth and flavor to so many dishes. These dried beauties not only preserve the flavor of summer tomatoes but also are convenient and versatile in the kitchen. In this post, we’ll cover the benefits of dehydrated tomatoes, how to make and store them, and share some yummy recipes using dehydrated tomatoes. Let’s get into it!

Dehydrated Tomatoes

Preserve Your Tomato Harvest for Year Round Use

One of the best reasons to dehydrate tomatoes is to be able to enjoy the taste of ripe, flavourful tomatoes all year round. Whether you have a glut of tomatoes from your garden during tomato season or want to stock up on tomatoes from the farmer’s market, dehydrating is a great preservation method.

More flavour and nutrients

Dehydrated tomatoes are concentrated in flavor, with an intense hit of tomato in every bite. The drying process preserves the nutrients so you get a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals in every dish.

Less Food Waste and Environmental Impact

By dehydrating tomatoes you can reduce food waste. Instead of letting excess tomatoes go to waste you can turn them into a pantry staple. This is a more sustainable way of living as you’re using up as much of your produce as possible.

Convenient and shelf stable for up to a year

Dehydrated tomatoes are lightweight, easy to store, and have a long shelf life if stored properly. They’re a great addition to your pantry to have on hand whenever you need a hit of tomato flavor.

Choosing and Preparing Tomatoes for Dehydrating

Good Tomato Varieties for Dehydrating

Not all tomato varieties are created equal when it comes to dehydrating. Here are some that work well:

• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and bite-sized, cherry tomatoes are perfect for dehydrating.
• Plum Tomatoes (e.g. Roma tomatoes): Meatier and less watery, great for drying.
• Grape Tomatoes: Similar to cherry tomatoes but slightly smaller and firmer.

Choose Ripe and Flavourful Tomatoes for Best Flavour and Texture

Choose tomatoes that are ripe, firm, and blemish-free. The better the quality of the fresh tomatoes the better the flavor and texture of the dehydrated tomatoes.

Preparing Tomatoes for Dehydrating

1. Wash the tomatoes.
2. Pat dry with a clean towel.
3. Remove Cores and Seeds if desired. For cherry tomatoes simply slice them in half.
4. Slice the tomatoes evenly so they dry evenly.

Dehydrating Tomatoes 101

Ways to Dehydrate Tomatoes

There are several ways to dehydrate tomatoes, each with its own benefits:

• Oven: Lay the sliced tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Set the oven to the lowest temperature (usually around 150°F) and leave the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.
• Solar Dehydrator: Use the sun’s heat to dry your tomatoes. This eco friendly method can take several days depending on the weather.
• Car: Yes you can use your car as a dehydrator on hot days. Place the tomatoes on dehydrator trays and leave them in your car with the windows slightly open.
• Food Dehydrator (electric dehydrator): This is the most efficient and reliable method. Set the dehydrator to 135-145°F and arrange the tomatoes on the trays.

How to get the right dryness

• Chewy or Tomato Powder?: The drying time will depend on the thickness of the tomato slices and the method used. For chewy, leathery tomatoes dry until they’re pliable but not sticky. For tomato powder dry until they’re brittle and can be ground into a fine powder.

Dehydrating at Low Temperatures

To preserve as much flavor and nutrients as possible dehydrate at low temperatures (135-145°F). This gentle drying process will retain the color and flavor of the tomatoes.

Storing and Using Dehydrated Tomatoes

Storage Tips

To keep the flavor and texture of your dehydrated tomatoes follow these storage tips:

• airtight containers: Store the dried tomatoes in airtight containers to keep moisture out.
• Dark, Cool Locations: Store the containers in a dark, cool place like a pantry or cupboard. This will extend their shelf life up to a year.

Rehydrating and Marinating Dehydrated Tomatoes for extra flavor

To rehydrate dehydrated tomatoes soak them in warm water, vegetable broth, olive oil, wine or broth for about 15-30 minutes. Marinate them in oil and herbs for extra flavor.

Recipes using Dehydrated Tomatoes

Dehydrated tomatoes can be used in many recipes. Here are some ideas:

• Soups and Stews: Add a handful of rehydrated tomatoes to your favorite soup or stew for extra flavor.
• Sauces (e.g. pizza sauce, tomato sauce): Blend rehydrated tomatoes into your sauces for a concentrated tomato flavor.
• Salads and Pasta Dishes (e.g. pasta salad): Toss sliced dehydrated tomatoes into salads or pasta dishes for extra flavor.

Recipes using Dehydrated Tomatoes

Minestrone Soup Mix with Dehydrated Tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried beans
• 1/2 cup dehydrated tomatoes
• 1/4 cup dried carrots
• 1/4 cup dried celery
• 1/4 cup dried onions
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
2. Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours until beans are tender.
4. Remove bay leaf and serve hot.

Sun-dried Tomato and Basil Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups cooked pasta
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat.
5. Remove from heat and add fresh basil.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Tomato Pesto with Dehydrated Tomatoes and Fresh Basil

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dehydrated tomatoes, rehydrated
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a food processor combine rehydrated tomatoes, basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese and garlic.
2. Process until finely chopped.
3. With processor running add olive oil slowly until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Use as a spread, pasta sauce, or dip.

Fresh Green Salads with Sliced Dehydrated Tomatoes and Olive Oil

Ingredients:

• Mixed greens
• 1/4 cup sliced dehydrated tomatoes
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup olives, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl combine mixed greens, dehydrated tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
3. Toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Dried Tomatoes

Adding Depth to Dishes with Dehydrated Tomatoes

Dehydrated tomatoes add a deep umami flavor to many dishes. They can even make the simplest recipes better, so keep them in your pantry.

Adding to Soups, Stews and Sauces

Add a handful of rehydrated tomatoes to your soups, stews and sauces and they will rehydrate in the liquid and release their flavor.

Dehydrated Tomatoes in Pizza Sauce and Tomato Sauce recipes

Blend rehydrated tomatoes into your pizza sauce or tomato sauce and your homemade pizza and pasta will taste amazing.

Make Tomato Paste with Dehydrated Tomatoes

Make your own tomato paste by blending rehydrated tomatoes into a paste. Use this homemade paste as a base for many sauces and dishes.

Dried Tomatoes in a Nutshell

Dehydrated tomatoes can transform your meals, and add depth, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you use them in soups, sauces, salads, or as a pizza topping, dehydrated tomatoes are a versatile and convenient ingredient to have in your pantry.

Go! Dry tomatoes at home with a food dehydrator or oven and get creative!

Danny Content Writer

Hey there, since 2016, my mission has been to provide you with the information and guides you need to make food dehydrating simple and fun. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, my site offers helpful guides, reviews, and recipes to enhance your dehydrating experience. I take pride in only recommending products I believe in, ensuring my readers' trust. As an affiliate of various programs, including Amazon Associates, your support helps me continue providing quality content. Thanks for stopping by, and happy dehydrating!

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