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Dried Tomatoes in a Dehydrator
Instructions
I wash the tomatoes and pat them dry with a towel so they dry off faster.
I don't cut out the stem; I cut each tomato into 4 parts right through it. There's no need to remove the seeds, since they create that special taste just as the pulp does.
I fill each tier of the dehydrator with tomato quarters so they don't touch each other.
I sprinkle every single piece with coarse salt – it not only improves the taste but also stops a dried-out film forming on the surface, which would slow the process down a lot. And tomatoes give up their moisture more readily with salt.
I dry the tomatoes at 70 degrees, occasionally swapping the tiers around. After 10 hours the pieces are about halfway dried.
As the drying goes on, some pieces will be ready sooner – take them out so they don't turn into dry little coals while the rest catch up. You check the tomatoes for doneness like this: press a slice lightly with your finger, and if your finger stays clean and not damp, our product is ready. But don't over-dry the pieces; they shouldn't be brittle, they should stay elastic. The last pieces are done 19 hours after the drying began.
The tomatoes have shrunk many times over, and now they weigh 200 g.
Every piece has become elastic; they bend without breaking. And there's no moisture left in them – that's exactly what we need.
I prepare the ingredients for the next stage of processing the tomatoes. I take the 200 grams of dried tomatoes and the rest of the ingredients from the list.
I bring the water and vinegar to a boil.
I boil the tomatoes in it for 2 minutes. After this the dry edges of the tomatoes become softer, the pulp itself absorbs olive oil more readily, and overall the pieces get an extra heat treatment, which is exactly what protects the tomatoes from going sour.
I lift the pieces out onto a sieve – let all the liquid drain off.
Then I move them onto a towel and let them dry for about 4 hours.
Pour a spoonful of oil into a clean, dry jar and lay the dried tomatoes in layers, covering them with olive oil. Garlic and herbs do not go into the storage jar: with them, tomatoes in oil are safe in the fridge for no more than 4 days, so add them to a small portion just before serving.
I press the layers down with a spoon and add more oil on top, right to the very top of the jar.
I seal it with a boiled lid.
Tips
- 1
THE VINEGAR BOIL is the secret against fermentation. Without this stage the batch will last two weeks at most and then ferment. The vinegar gives an extra heat treatment.
- 2
SALT ON THE PIECES is the secret of drying. It stops a dried-out film forming and speeds up the release of moisture. Without salt the process drags on past 30 hours.
- 3
ELASTICITY means proper doneness. Your finger stays dry, but the pieces don't break. Over-dried "coals" can no longer be brought back to life.
- 4
TOP UP THE OIL AFTER 2 DAYS – this is a must. The tomatoes absorb a lot of oil, and the top must always stay covered. The same principle works in other kinds of dried preserves.
FAQ
Which tomatoes should I choose? +
Can I do it without a dehydrator?
Alternatives: the oven (at 70–90 °C with the door slightly open, 6–8 hours), in the sun (in southern regions, 3–5 days), or in an air fryer (4–5 hours). In an ordinary oven without a fan it takes longer. The advantage of a dehydrator is temperature control, multiple tiers and no scorching. The advantage of the oven is that it's more accessible. Drying in the sun is the most authentic Italian method, but it needs hot, dry weather. A microwave is not suitable – it will over-dry the tomatoes into little coals.
How long do dried tomatoes keep? +
In oil without garlic or herbs, in the fridge, for up to 6 months; the tomatoes must stay completely covered with oil. With garlic or herbs in the oil, for no more than 4 days in the fridge: that is the advice of Oregon State University Extension, and for long-term storage such mixtures are frozen. Tomatoes in oil are never kept at room temperature or in a pantry: the oil shuts out the air, and botulism bacteria can grow in that environment. For the longest storage, freeze the tomatoes without oil in zip-lock bags, for up to 6 months. If the oil turns cloudy, or there is mould or a fermented smell, throw away the whole jar.
What do you serve dried tomatoes with? +
The Italian classic: on bruschetta with mozzarella and basil. With Arrabbiata or Carbonara pasta. On pizza instead of fresh tomatoes. With a Caprese salad with mozzarella. As an extra topping on a Margherita pizza. With a cheese plate (camembert, brie, parmesan) – premium. In soups (minestrone, tomato) to boost the flavour. With mushroom risotto. On a sandwich with cream cheese. With dry white or red wine – a "wine" serving. With roast meat as a sauce. A versatile Italian preserve.
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