1. Make tomato sauce
Tomato sauce is one of the most common uses for overripe tomatoes. To make, cut the overripe tomato into quarters and remove the stalk/core. Simmer the tomato along with other ingredients such as garlic, olive oil, and maybe some herbs (like basil or oregano) in a saucepan over medium heat for an hour or two, until it’s reduced and thickened. Doing so brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, giving the tomato sauce a mild, pleasant flavor that goes well with pasta, pizza, or any dishes that require a tomato-based sauce.
2. Make ketchup
When life gives you overripe tomatoes, make ketchup. Ketchup is a classic condiment used on sandwiches, burgers, and even as a dipping sauce for fries. To make, you’ll first need to peel and chop the overripe tomatoes then cook them for some time in a saucepan with water, vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices such as allspice, cinnamon, or cumin. After cooking for about 20 to 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious homemade and preservative-free ketchup that beats store-bought alternatives any day.
3. Make oven-dried tomatoes
Oven-dried tomatoes are versatile ingredients that can be used in salads, pasta dishes, sandwiches, and even as a topping for pizza. Start by slicing the overripe tomato into thin quarter-inch rounds. Lay them on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven at a low temperature for about three hours or until they’re dehydrated and a little crispy. Oven-dried tomatoes have a deep, sweet flavor that gives dishes a burst of umami without overpowering them.
4. Make tomato soup
Tomato soup is an easy-to-make comfort food that’s for any time of the year. To make, start by sauteing onions and garlic in a pot. Add in the chopped overripe tomatoes and other ingredients such as tomato paste, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Allow it to cook for around 20 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender to puree until smooth. Serve hot with croutons or a crispy grilled cheese sandwich.
Without question, there are numerous ways to use an overripe tomato. Whether it’s making tomato sauce, ketchup, oven-dried tomatoes, or tomato soup, the sweet, preserved fruit can be transformed into a variety of dishes that are delicious and nutritious. So next time you see an overripe tomato in your fruit basket, don’t throw it away. Instead, use it to make any of the delicious meals mentioned above.