Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes with Basil and Garlic

Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes with Basil and Garlic

Marinated tomatoes with basil and garlic are a simple, flavorful dish that can elevate any meal. The fresh tomatoes soak up the aromatic basil and garlic, making them an excellent appetizer, side dish, or even a topping for bruschetta. This dish brings together the rich, juicy flavor of ripe tomatoes with the fragrant essence of basil and the bold kick of garlic, all wrapped in a delicious marinade.

This recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. Whether you’re having a casual family meal or entertaining guests, marinated tomatoes with basil and garlic will add a burst of fresh flavor to your table. Let’s dive into the process!

Ingredients

For the Marinated Tomatoes:

  • 4 large ripe tomatoes (preferably heirloom or Roma)
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional, for added flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

  1. Wash the Tomatoes
    Rinse the tomatoes under cold water to remove any dirt or residues. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

  2. Slice the Tomatoes
    Slice the tomatoes into thick wedges or rounds, depending on your preference. If you’re using Roma tomatoes, you can cut them into halves or quarters for a more rustic look.

  3. Set Aside
    Place the sliced tomatoes in a large bowl and set them aside while you prepare the marinade.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

  1. Prepare the Garlic and Basil
    Thinly slice the garlic cloves and tear or chop the fresh basil leaves into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can crush the garlic with the side of a knife to release more aroma.

  2. Combine the Marinade Ingredients
    In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar), salt, pepper, sugar (if using), and oregano. Whisk everything together until well combined. The sugar helps balance the acidity of the vinegar and tomatoes, but you can skip it if you prefer a tangier taste.

Step 3: Marinate the Tomatoes

  1. Add Garlic and Basil
    Add the sliced garlic and basil leaves to the bowl with the tomatoes. Gently toss them together to distribute the garlic and basil evenly throughout the tomatoes.

  2. Pour the Marinade Over the Tomatoes
    Drizzle the prepared marinade over the tomatoes. Use a spoon or your hands to gently toss the tomatoes, ensuring that each slice is coated with the marinade and infused with the garlic and basil flavors.

  3. Let the Tomatoes Marinate
    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the tomatoes and marinade to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but preferably 3-4 hours or overnight for the best flavor. The longer they marinate, the more the tomatoes will absorb the flavors.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Serve
    Once the tomatoes have marinated, serve them as a side dish, appetizer, or topping for bruschetta. They pair beautifully with grilled meats, pasta dishes, or fresh salads.

  2. Garnish
    If desired, garnish the marinated tomatoes with extra fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil before serving to add extra richness and color.

Tips and Variations

  1. Add Other Herbs
    Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for different flavor profiles. Each herb will add its own unique touch to the marinade.

  2. Add Cheese
    Crumbled feta, mozzarella balls, or shaved Parmesan can be added to the marinated tomatoes just before serving for added richness and flavor.

  3. Make It Spicy
    If you prefer a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili to the marinade. This will infuse the tomatoes with a subtle heat that complements the garlic and basil.

  4. Serve with Bread
    For a more substantial dish, serve the marinated tomatoes on top of toasted crusty bread. Drizzle some extra olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple yet delicious appetizer.

Health Benefits

  1. Tomatoes
    Tomatoes are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, and antioxidants like lycopene. They are known to support heart health, skin health, and help reduce inflammation.

  2. Basil
    Basil is full of essential oils and antioxidants, providing anti-inflammatory benefits and helping to boost your immune system.

  3. Garlic
    Garlic is well-known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps with digestion and supports heart health.

Storage

If you have any leftovers, store the marinated tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can enjoy them cold or at room temperature. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they become.

Conclusion

Marinated tomatoes with basil and garlic are a simple, delicious way to enhance the flavor of fresh tomatoes. The combination of tangy vinegar, fragrant basil, and aromatic garlic creates a beautiful balance of flavors that can elevate any meal. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or topping, this recipe is versatile, easy to prepare, and sure to impress your guests. Try it today and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!

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