Here’s everything you need to know about them — plus how to make and use them!
🍅 What Are Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes are ripe tomatoes (usually Roma or plum) that have been dried to remove most of their moisture. This concentrates their natural sugars and umami flavor, giving them a rich, slightly chewy texture.
You can find them:
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Dry-packed in bags (firm texture)
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Oil-packed in jars (softer, richer, and ready to use)
🧑🍳 How to Make Sun-Dried Tomatoes at Home
Ingredients
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2–3 lbs Roma or plum tomatoes
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1–2 tsp sea salt
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Optional: olive oil, herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
Methods
🌞 1. Sun Drying (traditional)
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Slice tomatoes in half lengthwise.
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Sprinkle lightly with salt.
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Place on drying racks, cut side up, in direct sunlight.
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Cover with cheesecloth to keep bugs out.
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Dry 3–5 days, bringing inside overnight.
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They’re ready when leathery but not brittle.
🔥 2. Oven Drying (faster method)
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Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C).
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Line a baking sheet with parchment.
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Place halved tomatoes cut-side up. Sprinkle with salt.
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Bake 6–8 hours, turning once or twice, until shriveled but pliable.
🍳 3. Dehydrator
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Set dehydrator to 135°F (57°C).
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Dry for 8–10 hours, until leathery.
To Store
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Dry-packed: Store in airtight jars for up to 6 months in a cool, dark place.
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Oil-packed: Place in a jar, cover completely with olive oil, and refrigerate up to 3 weeks.
(You can add garlic, basil, or chili flakes to the oil for extra flavor!)
🍝 Tasty Ways to Use Sun-Dried Tomatoes
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🥗 Chop & toss into salads or grain bowls
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🍝 Stir into pasta (with spinach, garlic, and cream — amazing!)
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🍕 Add to pizzas or focaccia for a flavor boost
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🧄 Blend into pesto (sun-dried tomato pesto = “pesto rosso”)
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🍞 Mix into bread dough for savory tomato bread
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🥪 Add to sandwiches & wraps with cheese or grilled chicken
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🍳 Use in omelets or scrambled eggs for a punchy twist
Would you like me to give you a creamy sun-dried tomato pasta recipe next? It’s restaurant-style — rich, garlicky, and ready in 20 minutes.
