Southern Style Stewed Tomatoes

Name: Southern Style Stewed Tomatoes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 6-8 roma tomatoes (diced and peeled(Peeling is your preference)); 1 cup chicken stock; 1/2 Bell Pepper (Chopped); 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley (chopped(Optional)); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; 1 Teaspoon White Sugar; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

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Southern stewed tomatoes over a bed of white rice with a few teaspoons of that good old fashion tomato mixture smothered over the top. The only thing your gonna need is some fresh tomatoes, black pepper, and white onion to name a few things. In addition, you should definitely want to this is my buttermilk biscuits!

Why You Should Make Southern stewed tomatoes?

Bursting with flavor: The combination of fresh whole tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and spices in Southern stewed tomatoes creates an incredibly flavorful dish. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and savory taste.

Nutritional benefits: Tomatoes, especially roma tomatoes used in stewed tomatoes, are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants like lycopene. Stewing the tomatoes helps retain these valuable nutrients, making Southern stewed tomatoes a healthy addition to your diet.

Comforting and warming: A bowl of Southern stewed tomatoes is the highlight of comfort food. The warmth, aroma, and heartiness of the dish make it perfect for cozy evenings or when you need a comforting pick-me-up for Southern Style Stewed Tomatoes.

Showcasing regional cuisine: By making Southern stewed tomatoes, you get to experience the soulful flavors and unique cooking techniques of Southern cuisine. It's a delightful way to showcase the culinary heritage and share the love for this beloved regional dish.

Budget-friendly option: Tomatoes, especially when in season, are often affordable and readily available. This makes Southern stewed tomatoes a cost-effective dish that can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.

Ingredients For Southern Stewed Tomatoes

Roma tomatoes

Chicken Stock

Salt

Black Pepper

Paprika

Dried thyme

Vegetable oil

A full list of ingredients can be found in the recipe card below

How To Make Southern Stewed Tomatoes Recipe?

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced and peeled tomatoes(skin on is your preference) to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes or until they start to soften.

Pour in the chicken stock and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer on the stove top. Add the salt, black pepper, sugar, paprika, bell peppers, and dried thyme to the skillet. Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Lastly, Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the tomatoes simmer for about 10- 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. It's done when the tomatoes have softened, and the mixture has thickened slightly.

Substitutions For Southern Stewed Tomatoes

1. Canned diced tomatoes: These are a great substitute as they have a similar texture and can provide a similar flavor to stewed tomatoes. You can use them as they are or blend them slightly to achieve a closer consistency.

2. Tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can work well if you prefer a smoother texture. It has a concentrated tomato flavor and can be used as a base for stews or sauces instead of stewed tomatoes.

3. Crushed tomatoes: These are tomatoes that have been crushed but still have some texture. Lastly, they can add a bit of body to your dish and work well in recipes that call for stewed tomatoes.

Variations

Southern Stewed Okra- make a delicious okra soup. This will go extremely well with a side of white bread or any stale bread.

Thick-cut bacon- add in about 4-6 slices of bacon. It should be fried bacon. This will give this recipe a rich flavor. You can also add in some of that fried bacon fat.

Sugar-sweetened things up with granulated sugar or brown sugar. To get sweet stewed tomatoes.

Fresh Herbs- bay leaf and fresh basil will give your homemade stewed tomatoes all the specific flavors you want.

Equipment

Chef's knife: A versatile and sharp knife that is essential for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients.

Cutting board: A sturdy surface to safely chop and prepare ingredients.

Measuring cups and spoons: You want to get accurate measurements. They are crucial in cooking and baking, so having a set of measuring cups and spoons is essential.

Saucepan: A medium-sized pot with a handle and a lid, used for boiling, simmering, and making sauces.

Storage

- Refrigerator storage: Stewed tomatoes can be stored in the refrigerator. However, note that the flavors may start to deteriorate after a few days. Store in a mason jar for long term use.

- Freezer storage: Place the jar or container in the freezer for longer-term storage. Stewed tomatoes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave enough headspace to accommodate expansion during freezing.

In Addition, when you're ready to use the stewed tomatoes, thaw.

Common Questions

How do you thicken canned stewed tomatoes?

There are several methods you can try to thicken canned stewed tomatoes. First, you can pour the tomatoes into a saucepan and simmer them over medium heat until the excess liquid evaporates and the sauce thickens. This method not only thickens the sauce but also intensifies the flavors. Another option is to add a thickening agent like tomato paste, cornstarch, or flour. Mix a small amount of the thickening agent with water to form a paste, then whisk it into the stewed tomatoes and let it simmer until the sauce thickens.

What makes stewed tomatoes different?

Stewed tomatoes differ from fresh tomatoes in that they have been cooked down with various seasonings and often other ingredients. In addition, this cooking process breaks down the tomatoes, resulting in a softer texture and concentrated flavor. Stewed tomatoes are commonly used as a base for soups, stews, sauces, and other dishes. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to develop and meld together, creating a rich and savory taste. Stewed tomatoes can also have added ingredients such as onions, garlic, herbs, and spices to enhance the flavor profile. Overall, stewed tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that adds depth and complexity to recipes.

What makes stewed tomatoes different?

Peeling tomatoes for stewed tomatoes is not mandatory, but achieving a smoother texture in the final dish is often recommended. The skin of tomatoes can sometimes become tough and chewy when cooked, which may not be desirable in stewed tomatoes. However, you can skip the peeling step if you prefer a slightly chunkier texture or do not mind the tomato skins. It ultimately comes down to personal preference.

What are the best tomatoes for canned stewed tomatoes?

1. Roma tomatoes: These are often considered the go-to choice for canning due to their dense flesh, low seed count, and high concentration of natural sugars.

2. San Marzano tomatoes: These Italian plum tomatoes are known for their rich flavor, low acidity, and firm texture, making them ideal for stewing and canning.

3. Amish Paste tomatoes: These heirloom tomatoes are meaty, flavorful, and have a good balance of sweetness and acidity, making them suitable for stewed tomatoes.

4. Celebrity tomatoes: These are known for their disease resistance, high yield, and good flavor, making them a reliable choice for canning.

Do you have to peel tomatoes for stewed tomatoes?

In Conclusion

In conclusion, ripe tomatoes from your local grocery store are a great way to create a one-of-a-kind dish like Southern stewed tomatoes. This Southern comfort food classic is definitely something you'll want to have on your dinner table, so make sure you have the best stewed tomatoes recipe ready to go!

Lastly, Southern stewed tomatoes can be enjoyed as a standalone main course. They pair wonderfully with juicy pork chops, skillet cornbread, fresh okra, and any meat sides. It can also be used as a base for soups and stews. The dish offers endless possibilities for creativity in your meal planning. So, go ahead and make this Southern style stewed tomatoes.