Sun-dried tomatoes in a vegetable dehydrator

Step-by-step preparation

Cooking time: 5 day

1. STEP 1

   

   How to prepare sun-dried tomatoes in a vegetable dehydrator for the winter? Prepare the necessary ingredients. In Italy, “Cream” varieties of tomatoes are used for drying, but in fact, any tomatoes can be dried. It is better to choose medium or small sized tomatoes.

2. STEP 2

   

   It is advisable to take unrefined olive oil. The amount of sugar can be changed or not added at all. One of the main components is Provençal herbs. You can use a ready-made seasoning in a grinder or take the herbs separately and grind them using a coffee grinder.

3. STEP 3

   

   Wash the tomatoes, cut them in half and cut off the attachment point (the stem). If the tomatoes are large, cut each half into quarters. In fleshy varieties, the pulp and seeds are usually not removed. If the tomatoes are very watery and have a lot of seeds, then you need to remove the pulp with the seeds with a spoon. I also remove the pulp if the tomatoes have white streaks inside. This time I came across very successful tomatoes, so I decided to leave the pulp and seeds.

4. STEP 4

   

   Place the tomatoes tightly on the dehydrating rack. Salt each tomato half. This is necessary so that the tomatoes begin to release juice and dry faster.

5. STEP 5

   

   Also, if desired, sprinkle the tomatoes with sugar and ground herbes de Provence.

6. STEP 6

   

   Tomatoes need to start drying at a low temperature of 35-40 degrees, gradually increasing it, bring it to 70 degrees and dry until ready.

7. STEP 7

   

   Every hour, change the order of the pallets, moving the bottom to the top.

8. STEP 8

   

   After 6 hours, you can turn the tomatoes over; the juice will no longer flow from them. Tomatoes do not dry the same way, as they are different sizes, so some tomatoes will need to be harvested early. After 6-8 hours, you can check the tomatoes for readiness.

9. STEP 9

   

   The readiness of the tomatoes is determined by pressing your finger. When pressed, your finger should be dry and no juice should come out of the tomato. If you doubt whether the tomato is ready, dry it a little more. It's better to overdry than not to dry.

10. STEP 10

    

    My tomatoes dried completely in 12 hours at a temperature of 70 degrees. All that's left to do is fill. To do this, you need to heat the oil with spices. Sterilize the jars washed with soda in a way convenient for you: in the microwave, in the oven or by steaming. Wash the lids with soda and boil for 3-5 minutes.

11. STEP 11

    

    Add 0.5-1 teaspoon of Provençal herbs into olive oil. You can use ready-made Italian Herbs seasoning or choose seasonings to suit your taste. I love the combination of thyme, paprika, oregano or basil and thyme. Heat the oil; it should be hot but not boiling.

12. STEP 12

    

    Place a few pieces of garlic at the bottom of a sterilized jar.

13. STEP 13

    

    Place a layer of sun-dried tomatoes.

14. STEP 14

    

    Pour the hot oil over the tomatoes, press down well with a spoon, then add the garlic again, a layer of tomatoes, etc. until the jar is full. The tomatoes should be completely covered in oil. Close the jar with a lid and place it in the refrigerator to brew for 3-5 days.

15. STEP 15

    

    These tomatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-6 months. Happy cooking and bon appetit!

Comments on the recipe

Margarita

13.11.2023

4.8

I once tried sun-dried tomatoes at a friend’s place. In principle, I liked it. I bought myself a dryer (I’ve been dreaming about it for a long time and decided to do it). Let me, I think, I’ll make some tomatoes, and then I’ll find a use for them. I did it, and not only did I not regret it... I am absolutely delighted. It's just a taste ecstasy. The can flew away without even blinking. Now I sit and regret that it’s so little. I made one dryer. Five pallets made a half-liter mustard jar. I thought it was only women's food. But my men ate it on both cheeks. Next year I will repeat the recipe on a much larger scale. Thanks for the recipe. Delicious.

Mila-Mila

13.11.2023

4.5

Those who don’t have a dryer can dry tomatoes in the oven. It will be delicious too.

Christmas tree

13.11.2023

4.8

Sun-dried tomatoes are tasty and aromatic. You can just eat it as a snack, or you can put it on pizza. A convenient way to tidy up garden tomatoes. I advise you to dry thick-walled, fleshy tomatoes of the “Slivka” variety; the product turns out more tasty. To reduce the drying time, I removed the centers of the tomatoes (I used them when making ketchup). Herbes de Provence is an ideal seasoning in this case.