How to Turn Tomatoes into Delicious Meals

Watch chefs and notice how often they include tomatoes in their recipes. A tomato is a staple for hearty meals. Tomatoes come in a variety of forms at supermarkets and farmer's markets. In the produce section, shoppers will find fresh tomatoes that are full-sized, plump, and red; unripe and green; or tiny, cherry tomatoes. In the processed foods aisles, shoppers will spot canned tomatoes that are whole and stewed, diced, and sliced as well as jarred tomatoes in the form of salsa, picante sauce, or spaghetti sauce. Known as a "healing food," a tomato contains antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, lycopene, beta carotene, potassium, and magnesium. According to a study by Conagra Foods, these antioxidants are most effectively absorbed with the intake of canned and cooked tomatoes and have a positive correlation with reduced hypertension and heart disease. So, when preparing to make a meal for the holidays or any special occasion, shoppers should include tomatoes at the top of the list. Here is a list of meals that are drawn from tomatoes:

Salads

To customize a tasty salad, try chopped tomatoes, shredded green and red cabbage, and coleslaw dressing. Another salad option is any choice of lettuce-spinach, Romaine, or Spring Mix-sliced tomatoes, and other toppings like feta cheese, shredded Parmesan, mushrooms, bacon bits, cucumbers, black olives, boiled eggs, croutons, almonds, mandarin oranges, and dressing (Greek, Italian, Honey Dijon, and Asian Sesame).

Wraps/Tacos

Tomatoes are prevalent when going for a southwestern flavor. Soft tacos are made with soft tortilla bread, grated tomatoes, shredded lettuce and taco cheese, chopped grilled chicken, and sour cream. Crunchy tacos are created with hard taco shells, grated tomatoes, shredded lettuce and taco cheese, ground turkey or beef, and sour cream. Wraps, burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas are made by heating these ingredients within soft shell tortilla bread.

Omelets/Breakfast Burritos

Anyone may prepare delectable omelets or breakfast burritos at home by serving them with a side of chunky tomato salsa or picante sauce. As described with the wraps above, breakfast burritos are composed of soft shell tortilla bread and include scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon, chicken, etc., and are most tasty when filled with picante sauce and green peppers.

Sub sandwiches

Mouth-watering sub sandwiches are nothing more than freshly sliced bread, sliced tomatoes, one's choice of deli meat, sliced cheese, black olives, and banana peppers. A great combination is tuna or seafood spread on a sub sandwich and topped with ripe, sliced tomatoes.

Soups

Those canned tomatoes come in handy when preparing soups on cold winter days. The Native American Indian recipe for succotash includes boiled tomatoes, corn, and beans. Also, consider the Creole recipe for gumbo that is a blend of tomatoes, okra, rice, shrimp, lobster, or chicken.

Pasta

Chunky tomato spaghetti sauce is the element that creates the Italian flavor of spaghetti and lasagna. Extra stewed tomatoes may be added to these dishes along with green peppers, mushrooms, meatballs, and chili sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and served with garlic bread or sticks.

Pizza

Warm tomato sauce and cheese on a toasted crust melts in the mouth. This soothing effect makes it no surprise that just about any cafeteria regularly serves pizza. Pizza may be made at home with either homemade or store bought crust, tomato sauce or chunky salsa, shredded cheese, olives, mushrooms, pimientos, black and green olives, and one's choice of meat.

Fried green tomatoes

A special treat is a meal composed of fried green tomatoes. The juicy texture of green tomatoes within a breaded coating is most appealing when served with white rice and ground turkey chili.

When it comes to preparing meals with tomatoes, it doesn't hurt to be creative. Considering that tomatoes are seasonal, nutritious, delicious, and affordable, shoppers have good reasons to stock up on them.

Sources

Conagra Foods (2008, Oct. 27). "Canned Tomatoes Pack a Punch in Fight Against Heart Disease." Business Wire.