Savory Stewed Tomatoes with Onion, Basil, and Olive Oil
Equipment
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven Use a heavy-bottomed pot to avoid scorching.
- Sharp knife and cutting board For prepping your vegetables.
- Wooden spoon To stir without scratching your pan.
- Food Mill or Immersion Blender (optional) If you want a smoother consistency.
- Mason Jars or Airtight Containers For storing leftovers or batch cooking.
Ingredients
- Fresh Tomatoes – 3 lbs Roma or heirloom varieties work best. You can also use high-quality canned whole tomatoes in a pinch.
- Yellow Onion – 1 large finely chopped
- Garlic – 4 cloves minced
- Fresh Basil Leaves – 1 cup loosely packed torn or chopped
- Olive Oil – 1/4 cup extra virgin
- Salt – 1 ½ tsp or to taste
- Black Pepper – 1/2 tsp
- Sugar – 1 tsp optional, helps balance acidity
- Red Pepper Flakes – 1/4 tsp optional for a bit of heat
Optional Add-Ins
- A splash of balsamic vinegar or a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.
- A dash of oregano or thyme to layer the herbs.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes
- If you’re using fresh tomatoes, start by blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transferring to an ice bath. This makes peeling a breeze. Once peeled, chop them coarsely, reserving all the juices.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 8 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning
- Toss in your chopped tomatoes along with their juices. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir to combine and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Simmer and Reduce
- Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes will break down and thicken into a rich stew. Add the red pepper flakes now if you’re using them.
Step 5: Add Basil and Finish
- About 5 minutes before you’re done, stir in the fresh basil. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want a smoother consistency, now’s the time to blend it.
Step 6: Serve or Store
- Serve immediately while warm, or cool and refrigerate for up to 5 days. This also freezes beautifully in small containers for easy meal prep.