Looking for a way to capture the essence of summer tomatoes? This Tomato Butter recipe is your answer! A simple yet deeply flavorful spread, this recipe transforms fresh, juicy tomatoes into a concentrated burst of garden goodness. Perfect for slathering on crusty bread, tossing with pasta, or adding a rich depth to grilled meats, this versatile condiment is a must-try for any home cook.
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Key Ingredients for Tomato Butter:
- 2 pounds Ripe Tomatoes: Use the best quality tomatoes you can find – Roma, San Marzano, or any garden variety that’s bursting with flavor. Core them and roughly chop them.
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: High-quality butter adds richness and depth to the flavor.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced finely for a pungent aroma.
- 1 small Shallot: Finely minced. Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor than onions.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme Leaves: Adds an earthy and fragrant note.
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: For a subtle kick (optional).
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground for the best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: for searing the shallots
How to Make Tomato Butter:
This Tomato Butter recipe is surprisingly easy and unbelievably delicious. The best part? It only requires minimal effort and a little patience. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a truly unforgettable spread. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, you’ll be rewarded with a jar of concentrated garden flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash, core, and roughly chop the tomatoes. This will help them cook down more quickly.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and cook until softened. Stir the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes(if using) and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the chopped tomatoes, sea salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme leaves to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer and Reduce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot (leaving a slight vent), and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove Lid and Continue Cooking: After 1 hour, remove the lid and continue to simmer the tomato mixture, stirring frequently, for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the tomatoes have broken down completely and the mixture has thickened significantly. The consistency should be similar to a thick jam.
- Add Butter and Balsamic Vinegar: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the unsalted butter and balsamic vinegar until the butter is completely melted and incorporated. The tomato mixture should become glossy and rich.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the Tomato Butter and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to taste.
- Blend for Smoothness (Optional): For a super-smooth texture, use an immersion blender to blend the Tomato Butter directly in the saucepan. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Note: Be careful when blending hot liquids!
- Store: Transfer the Tomato Butter to sterilized jars or airtight containers. Allow to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Butter:
This Tomato Butter is more than just a spread; it’s a flavor bomb, packed with the concentrated sweetness of summer tomatoes and the richness of butter. Its main highlight is its incredible versatility – use it on everything from toast to pasta to grilled meats! Making it at home also significantly cuts down on costs compared to buying gourmet tomato spreads at the store.
Plus, you have complete control over the ingredients and can customize the flavor to your liking. The infusion of fresh thyme and a hint of balsamic vinegar elevates the flavor profile, adding depth and complexity that you won’t find in commercial tomato products.
What to Serve Tomato Butter With:
Tomato Butter is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes and flavors. Here are a few suggestions:
- Crusty Bread or Toast: A simple yet satisfying way to enjoy the rich flavor of Tomato Butter.
- Pasta: Toss with freshly cooked pasta for a quick and flavorful sauce.
- Grilled Meats or Vegetables: Use it as a marinade or topping for grilled chicken, steak, or vegetables.
- Sandwiches and Paninis: Spread it on your favorite sandwiches for an extra layer of flavor.
- Charcuterie Boards: Add a jar of Tomato Butter to your charcuterie board for a unique and flavorful addition.
- Pizza: a great base for pizza adding bold flavor!
Top Tips for Perfecting Tomato Butter:
- Use Ripe Tomatoes: The key to a flavorful Tomato Butter is using ripe, juicy tomatoes. Avoid using underripe or overripe tomatoes, as they will lack flavor or become mushy.
- Don’t Skip the Slow Simmer: The slow simmering process is crucial for reducing the water content of the tomatoes and concentrating their flavor. Be patient and allow the tomatoes to cook down completely.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the Tomato Butter throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Use High-Quality Butter: High-quality butter adds richness and depth to the flavor of the Tomato Butter.
- Sterilize Jars for Longer Storage: If you plan on storing the Tomato Butter for an extended period, sterilize the jars before filling them.
- For a spicier version: you can add chili flakes to taste.
5 Facts about Tomato Butter:
- Versatile Condiment: Tomato Butter isn’t just for bread! Use it as a pasta sauce, pizza topping, or even a base for soups and stews.
- Garden-to-Table Goodness: A great way to use up excess tomatoes from your garden, preserving their flavor for months to come.
- Flavor Concentrated: The slow cooking process intensifies the tomato flavor, making it much richer than regular tomato sauce.
- Italian Roots: While not a traditional dish, Tomato Butter shares similar flavor profiles with many Italian sauces, making it a fantastic addition to Italian cuisine.
- Freezes Well: Tomato Butter freezes beautifully, so you can make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the year.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Refrigerate: Tomato Butter will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container.
- Freeze: For longer storage, Tomato Butter can be frozen for up to 3 months. Transfer the cooled Tomato Butter to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat Tomato Butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Microwave: Reheat Tomato Butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
- From Frozen: While not ideal, you can reheat frozen Tomato Butter directly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until thawed and warmed through.
Final Thoughts:
This Tomato Butter recipe is a truly delightful way to capture the essence of summer tomatoes. Its rich, concentrated flavor and versatility make it a must-have condiment for any home cook. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, tossing it with pasta, or using it as a marinade, this Tomato Butter will add a burst of garden-fresh flavor to your dishes. So gather your ripe tomatoes, grab a stick of butter, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of homemade Tomato Butter!
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Tomato Butter FAQs :
Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?
A: While fresh tomatoes are ideal, you can use high-quality canned San Marzano tomatoes in a pinch. Use approximately 28 ounces of canned tomatoes, drained.
Q: Can I add other herbs besides thyme?
A: Absolutely! Rosemary, oregano, or basil would also be delicious additions. Experiment with different herbs to create your own unique flavor profile.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes! Simply substitute the butter with a high-quality plant-based butter alternative.
Q: How can I sterilize jars for storing the Tomato Butter?
A: Wash jars and lids with hot, soapy water and rinse well. Place the jars on a baking sheet and heat in a 250°F (120°C) oven for 10 minutes. Boil the lids in a separate pot for 10 minutes. Let everything cool slightly before filling.