250 minutes
A delicious recipe to transform cherry or grape tomatoes into gourmet sun-dried tomatoes with rich, savory flavors.
Grape Tomatoes, halved
cups
tablespoons
Flaky Sea Salt
teaspoons
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 250°F.
2. Prepare Tomatoes
Halve each cherry or grape tomato. Place them in a large bowl and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Toss gently to ensure even coating. Sprinkle a generous pinch of Maldon or flaky sea salt over the tomatoes and toss again to distribute the salt evenly.
3. Arrange Tomatoes on Baking Sheet
Line a heavy baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Spread the tomatoes out on the baking sheet in a single layer, cut side up, for even cooking and optimal flavor concentration.
4. Bake Tomatoes
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the tomatoes for 3½ to 4 hours, stirring and turning them occasionally. They are ready when lightly browned and shriveled.
5. Cool and Store
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the tomatoes cool. Store them in an airtight container.
Start with the best quality cherry tomatoes you can find. Since they are the main ingredient, their flavor will greatly impact the final product. Look for ripe, vibrant, and firm cherry tomatoes for the best results.
Set your oven to the lowest possible temperature for a slow roast. This could take anywhere from 2.5 to 4 hours depending on your oven and the size of the tomatoes. The goal is to dry them out while still retaining some chewiness.
Don't be afraid to season your tomatoes generously. A mix of salt, pepper, and perhaps some Italian herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil will enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. A little sugar can also be added to balance the acidity.
Store the sun-dried tomatoes in an airtight container, layered with extra virgin olive oil to preserve them. You can add additional flavors to the oil if you like, such as garlic cloves, rosemary sprigs, or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling over the tomatoes before drying. The oil will not only add flavor but also help in the preservation process.
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