Cooking tomatoes in the sun
Really Lazy Tomato Sauce Recipe
This is so much fun. Try slow cooking tomatoes in the sun. It needs to be over 35˚C (which is pretty achievable in most parts of Australia in the height of summer)
The different varieties of tomatoes mean that you have a selection to choose from by size and taste. It adds to the fun and can be a fun way to teach children about healthy foods. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C.Fresh herbs complement tomatoes deliciously. Layer tomatoes, herbs, garlic, salt, pepper and olive oil in a clean glass jar with an airtight lid and then slow cook tomatoes to create a delicious topping for bruschetta, fish, eggs or pasta packed with flavour.
Chop up the ripe tomatoes into quarters and the halve again and put in the jar. Add the basil leaves on top of the tomatoes.Add the parsley then the crushed garlic and the salt and pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over it. Don't shake it up at this stage.
Screw the lid of the jar on tightly (or place glad wrap under the lid as I have done in these photos) and place the jar in direct sunlight. The outside temperature should be over 32 degrees Celsius ( the hotter the better really) I did it at 35 degrees Celsius.Leave in the direct sun for a couple of hours to slow cook. You will see the liquid increase and the tomatoes become softer. Gently shake the jar then serve warm or keep in the fridge to use later.
You can use it as a topping for bruschetta, spooned over fish or added to a pan when cooking eggs or tossed through pasta or just eaten in a bowl with crunchy bread or even blended to make gazpacho.
Make sure you refrigerate any left over tomato sauce.
This guide wouldn't be possible without zeke at Washingtonsgreengrocer.com