Tomatoes are red, juicy and have all the goodness of nature. Tomatoes are widely accepted as a vegetable but, they surprisingly are fruits. The varieties of tomatoes cannot be counted on fingers and this is why tomato is a part of everyday diet. A tomato can be a part of a refreshing salad, a zingy chutney or a soothing soup. Tomatoes can also be consumed in raw form and that way too they provide numerous health benefits. Let me tell you about some health benefits of this tangy red.
Health Benefits Of Tomatoes
Fresh tomatoes are also great sources of antioxidants and lycopene, which are great in slowing down the ageing process. Tomatoes also make sure that your cholesterol levels are balanced and support heart health.
Daily consumption of these juicy reds will give you a nutritious dose of important vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
Now let us shed some light on the recipes of tomato
Recipe 1
Tomato Ketchup
Who doesn’t like the tangy tomato ketchup? It can add zing and flavour to many boring dishes. Making this zesty accompaniment is no big deal. See below to know the recipe.
Start cooking 1kg of roughly chopped tomatoes and 2 Tsp of chopped garlic together till they become soft. Now strain through a soup strainer, or blend in a blender and then pass through a sieve.
Now put it back over high heat, 2 Tbsp of add sugar, 2 Tsp of salt, 1 Tsp of garam masala, 1 Tsp of chilli powder and 2 Tbsp of vinegar and cook till it gets thick.
The mixture begins to spurt only in the centre, when ready. After this take off the heat, and add 1/4 Tsp of sodium benzoate (a preservative) solution and store in airtight sterilized jars. Your ketchup is ready.
Recipe 2
Tomato Chutney
This luscious red chutney that’s not only easy to make but goes with almost anything on the dinner table.
Start the process by heating some oil. Now add 1 cup of brown onions and 2 Tsp of ginger-garlic paste to it and cook till it gets brown.Add 1 kg of blanched and chopped tomatoes, 500 gms of sugar, 1 Tsp of salt, 1 Tsp of chilli powder and 1 Tsp of garam masala and cook till this gets a thick consistency. Add 2 Tbsp of vinegar and simmer for about 5 minutes. When cool, pack in an airtight clean jar and store. Your tangy tomato chutney is ready!
Recipe 3
Tomato Jam
This is undeniably the go-to accompaniment for most of the breakfast dishes and evening snacks. This is easy to prepare.
Select firm, ripe and fleshy tomatoes(1kg), and then clean and chop them properly. Now in a heavy bottom, big pan cook tomatoes along with 5 cups of water until tender.Turn off the heat and cool the mixture completely and puree this in a blender and strain. Add 1kg of sugar, cloves(6), cinnamon(3 sticks) and lime juice(1 Tbsp) to the strained pulp and cook the mixture on medium flame. Remove any scum that may appear on the surface. Stir constantly till it thickens. Make sure not to overcook.Turn off the gas, cool 10 minutes and pour into sterilized glass bottles placed on a wooden plank to avoid the breakage of bottles.
Allow the jam to cool completely in the bottle and close with lid and store at room temperature. If made well and stored in clean bottles, the jam will keep for months at room temperature.
I hope you try these recipes at home and share some of yours with us as well 🙂
Recipe 4
Bomra’s Tomato Salad
Blanch and skin 2 tomatoes, then slice them keeping the seeds. In a bowl add the tomatoes,1 Tbsp sliced onion, 1 tsp green chilies, 1 Tbsp ground nuts,1 Tbsp fried onions, 1 tsp fried garlic, 2 Tbsp fresh coriander. Add 2 Tbsp Dry pounded dry shrimp and 1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds. Now add 2 tsp schezwan pepper oil,2 tsp chilli oil,1 Tbsp tamarind juice, 1 Tbsp jaggery juice, 1 Tbsp coriander, oil and salt. Gently mix it all together and plate the salad.
Garnish with crispy fried ginger and dash of coriander oil. Serve at room temperature.
Recipe 5
Quick Tomato Curry
Grind together 1/2 cup coconut,1 green chilli and 1/2 tsp cumin seeds with little water to a very smooth paste. You can also use coconut milk instead. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan and splutter 1/2 tsp mustard seeds and 1 spring curry leaves.
Add 3-4 onions and 2 cloves garlic and fry till the onions turn golden brown. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook till the tomatoes are soft.
Add 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp chilli powder, 1/4 tsp garam masala powder and fry for a minute. Add the ground coconut paste, salt and required water.
Let the gravy simmer for few minutes.
Finally add chopped cilantro. Spicy tomato curry is ready to be served.
Happy Cooking! 🙂
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