Posted on July 06 2023
The summer harvest of tomatoes is abundant, and whether you grow your own or purchase from a local farm stand you will enjoy every bite. They are delicious eaten in salads, sandwiches, or by themselves. Tomato lovers have come up with dozens of delicious ways to use tomatoes in a variety of cooked and cold recipes. Try the following tasty hacks, and learn just how versatile, delicious, and healthy the tomato is.
Health Benefits of Tomatoes
The tomato is full of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and all four major carotenoids, which are alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene. The combination of the vitamins and beta-carotene work together as antioxidants to attack and destroy free radicals. Each of these vitamins and carotenoids work jointly and individually to supply the body with healthy benefits such as a reduced risk of coronary artery disease.
Chicken And Tomato Stir-Fry
This delicious stir fry will please every member of your family. It can be served alone or over rice, noodles, or sweet potatoes.
Chicken and Sauce Ingredients:
- 12 ounces of skinless boneless chicken cut in thin strips
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of wine or dry sherry
- 2 teaspoons of teriyaki sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of corn starch
Stir-Fry Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 3 thin slices of fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 pound of tomatoes (choose two or more colors for appearance) cut into small wedges (1 inch wide)
- 3 or 4 scallions cut crosswise in rounds
- Steamed rice, noodles, or baked sweet potato chunks for serving.
Marinate Chicken Strips
Place chicken strips in medium bowl or vacuum seal bag. In a small bowl, add corn starch, sesame oil, sherry, teriyaki and soy sauce. Stir until it is dissolved. Add 2 tablespoons of the mixture to the bowl of chicken strips and toss until evenly coated. Place in refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes while you start cooking the rice, noodles, or sweet potatoes to serve with the stir-fry.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. When a drop of water sizzles away immediately, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Spread your chicken strips over the pan and cook on both sides until done. Move the cooked chicken to a plate. Add the rest of the olive oil to the frying pan and add the ginger and garlic. Cook for 30 to 45 seconds when the fragrance is released. Add the tomatoes and cook until the edges begin to break down and the juice is released (three to four minutes). Add your chicken strips to the pan mixture as well as the scallions and the remainder of the marinating liquid. Stir fry until everything is thoroughly hot and the sauce is shiny (60 to 90 seconds). Serve immediately over hot rice, noodles, or sweet potatoes.
Amazing Fresh Tomato Blender Sauce
Slow-simmered home-made spaghetti sauce is delicious, but if you haven't tasted uncooked fresh tomato sauce (raw marinara), you are missing out on amazing and wonderful fresh from the garden flavor. This recipe makes approximately three cups of sauce, which is plenty for a full pound of cooked pasta.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds of Roma tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 peeled cloves of garlic (chopped)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 pound of pasta
- Fresh ricotta cheese
- Fresh Parmesan for grating
Preparation
Place tomatoes and garlic in blender and pulse until chunky. (8 to 10 seconds) Start adding olive oil and continue in blend mode until mixture is smooth. Pour into a large serving bowl and add basil, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and add your cooked pasta. Toss until pasta is all coated with sauce. Place in serving bowls and finish with a topping of fresh ricotta or grated Parmesan.
You and your family will enjoy these two delicious tomato hacks. In addition to aroma and flavor, these tomato recipes provide important nutrients for your loved one's good health.
Related Posts
High Grocery Prices Got You Down? Stretch Your Food Budget With These Storage and Freezer Hacks
13 Ways to Save Big Bucks on Everyday Expenses and Change Your Life
0 comments