These Easy Candied Tomatoes in Olive Oil are a sweet and tangy treat! Made by cooking ripe tomatoes gently in olive oil, they’re a perfect blend of flavors that brighten up any dish.
Honestly, I can’t get enough of these little gems. They make a great topping for pasta or toast. Plus, they’re super easy to make—just simmer, and you’re done!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: These small tomatoes are perfect for this recipe due to their sweetness and juiciness. If they’re not available, you can use standard tomato varieties, but adjust the cooking time since they’ll need longer to soften.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This enhances flavor immensely. However, for a lighter option, you can use light olive oil or even avocado oil if you want something different.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to create that candy-like sweetness. If you’re looking for healthier options, try coconut sugar or maple syrup as substitutes.
Honey: This is optional, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor. If you’re vegan or avoiding honey, just skip it or use agave syrup instead.
Garlic: Sliced garlic provides added flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can leave it out. For a milder taste, try using garlic powder.
How Do I Get the Perfect Glaze on My Tomatoes?
The key to achieving a nice glaze on your candied tomatoes is to cook them low and slow. Start by dissolving the sugar in the olive oil over low heat; this mixes the flavors well.
- Add the tomatoes gently to avoid bursting them; you want them to soften gradually.
- Keep the heat low to prevent boiling. You’re aiming for a simmer, which allows the sugars to caramelize gradually, creating that glossy finish.
- Stir occasionally, but don’t overdo it, as you want the tomatoes to maintain their shape.
- Cook until they’re soft and the glaze has thickened, usually 20-30 minutes will do the trick.
Let the mixture cool before transferring to a jar, allowing the flavors to develop. Enjoy your sweet, tangy treat!
Easy Candied Tomatoes in Olive Oil
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Candied Tomatoes:
- 1 pound cherry or grape tomatoes, cleaned
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as thyme or basil; optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 20-30 minutes of cooking time. Overall, plan for around 40 minutes to have these delightful candied tomatoes ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Olive Oil Mixture:
In a medium skillet or saucepan, combine the extra virgin olive oil, granulated sugar, honey (if you’re using it), salt, and black pepper. Stir gently over low heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. This will create a sweet and flavored oil base for the tomatoes.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add the thinly sliced garlic to the oil mixture. Cook gently for 1-2 minutes until you can smell the delicious garlic aroma, but be careful not to burn it.
3. Add the Tomatoes:
Now it’s time for the star of the show! Add the whole cherry tomatoes to the pan. Stir them gently to coat with the sweet oil mixture. Ensure each tomato gets a good covering for that perfect candied flavor.
4. Cook Slowly:
Cook the tomatoes over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 20-30 minutes. You want to see them soften and the sugar start to caramelize, creating that beautiful glossy, syrupy glaze. Just remember to avoid boiling and keep it at a gentle simmer!
5. Cool Down:
Once the tomatoes are beautifully candied, remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
6. Transfer and Garnish:
Carefully transfer the candied tomatoes, along with the olive oil and garlic, into a serving jar or dish. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a lovely garnish.
7. Serving Suggestions:
Your candied tomatoes are now ready to shine! Serve them as a delightful condiment with crusty bread, toss them with pasta, use them on grilled meats, or simply enjoy them as a sweet and savory snack. Yum!
Enjoy your delicious Easy Candied Tomatoes in Olive Oil!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Tomatoes?
Absolutely! While cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal for their sweetness and small size, you can also use larger tomatoes. Just make sure to cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking and to ensure they achieve that lovely candied texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Candied Tomatoes?
Store any leftover candied tomatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Make sure to keep the olive oil and garlic with them, as this enhances the flavor and keeps them moist. You can reheat them gently on the stove or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge!
Can I Skip the Garlic?
Yes, you can definitely omit the garlic if you prefer a sweeter profile. The candied tomatoes will still be delicious without it. Alternatively, you can use onion instead for a different flavor twist!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Great question! To make this recipe vegan, simply skip the honey and use the 2 tablespoons of sugar as is. The candied tomatoes will still turn out sweet and flavorful!