If you're new here, my name is Kayla and I'm obsessed with easy weeknight meals. Hands down, my go-to vegetable for easy weeknight meals is tomatoes. Why? There are so many different varieties of tomatoes, but heirloom are my favorite. Tomatoes are really easy to make a sauce out of, are so versatile and there are so many ways to cook them…which makes tomatoes perfect for 30-minute meals and weeknight dinner tomato recipes!
Varieties of Tomatoes
Heirloom Tomatoes: These come in a rainbow of colors, shapes, and sizes! You can even grow them easily in your back yard! They’re known for their amazing flavor, sometimes a little sweeter or tangier than regular tomatoes. Since they’re delicate, I mostly sliced for a sandwich or I chopped for a salad. I sometimes use chopped heirloom tomatoes in a tomato sauce to make it more rustic and gives Tomato Recipes more body. Dare I say, for chunkiness!?
Cherry Tomatoes: These tiny tomatoes! They are really sweet. My mom always says “they taste link candy”… which they do not, but they are certainly a sweeter variety! I like to put these on top of a salad. I also roast them with some olive oil and herbs for a pasta.
Beefsteak Tomatoes: These big guys are the workhorses of the tomato world. I find them great for slicing onto burgers or sandwiches, or chopping up for salads. You can also use them to make a simple tomato sauce for pasta - just simmer them with some garlic and herbs.
Roma Tomatoes: Shaped like little plums, Roma tomatoes are juicy and meaty, with fewer seeds, which is awesome. This makes them perfect for sauces! I just blend them up and simmering for a smooth and delicious Tomato Recipes for your pasta dishes.
Grape Tomatoes: A little bigger than cherry tomatoes but do look very similar. They come in bunches and also have a sweeter flavor. I love to use them for salads or snacking on. I dip them in ranch! I also roast them or saute them with some garlic for a great addition to a pasta dish.
Where to buy tomatoes
Supermarkets: This is where you’ll find the most common types of tomatoes, like beefsteak, roma, and cherry tomatoes down the produce aisle.
Farmer’s Markets: These are outdoor markets where local farmers sell their fresh produce. They’re a great place to find heirloom tomatoes or other unique varieties! I like to shop at farmer’s markets because they usually have more organic options that my local grocery store!
How to store tomatoes
Unripe Tomatoes: If your tomatoes are still a little firm and haven’t turned their full color yet, I keep them on the counter at room temperature. I keep them out of direct sunlight so they don’t ripen too fast.
Ripe Tomatoes: Once your tomatoes are nice and red (or orange, yellow, depending on the kind!), they’re best on the counter for a day or two. If I won’t use them right away, I pop them in the crisper drawer of my fridge. Just remember, they won’t taste quite as amazing cold, so take them out and let them warm up a bit before you eat them.
Cut Tomatoes: If you’ve already sliced or chopped your tomatoes, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I try to use them within a day or two in my Tomato Recipes for the best flavor.
How to cook tomatoes
Fresh Tomatoes: Just wash them gently under running water. You can slice them for sandwiches, chop them for salads, or even roast them whole or halved with some olive oil and herbs for a warm and delicious side dish.
Canned Tomatoes: These are already pre-cooked and crushed or chopped, which saves you time! They’re perfect for making quick and easy sauces. Here’s how I turn them into an easy and quick tomato sauce for pasta:
- Grab a pot and heat some olive oil over medium heat.
- Throw in some chopped onion and garlic (yum!), and cook them until they’re nice and soft.
- Pop open your can of tomatoes (crushed or chopped works great) and pour it into the pot. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and maybe even a sprinkle of dried oregano or basil.
- Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, letting the flavors get all happy together. You can even mash the tomatoes a bit with a spoon if you want a smoother sauce.
- Once it’s thickened up a bit, toss it with your favorite cooked pasta and enjoy!
Remember, canned tomatoes are already cooked, so you just need to heat them through and let the flavors marinate together. This is a super easy way to make a delicious homemade sauce for a weeknight dinner.
WHAT TO MAKE WITH TOMATOES
1. One Pan Gluten Free Pasta Bake
2. One-pan gnocchi with tomato sauce
3. Dairy Free Chicken Parm
4. Bruschetta Chicken Pizza
5. Moroccan Meatball Skillet
6. Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta Bake
7. Chicken Taco Rice Casserole
8. Easy Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers
9. Baked Gluten Free Meatballs
10. Chicken Potato Curry Recipe
10. Chicken BBQ Salad Recipe
11. Tuscan Cast Iron Chicken Breast with Rice
12. Vegetarian Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe
13. Easy Chickpea Artichoke Salad Recipe
14. Lazy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Casserole
15. One Pan Taco Skillet
16. Mexican Breakfast Skillet
17. Greek Rice Bowl
18. Gluten Free Rice Bowl
19. Gluten Free Breakfast Pizza
20. Shakshuka Recipe For One
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