Tomatoes about to go bad? This Easy Tomato Jam/Spread is a great way to use those tomatoes up. Quick, delicious, and always aiming to help reduce food waste.
I’ve recently been on the Kale/Brussels/pumpkin seed/goat cheese/dried cherry salad kick. It happens every so often where I get bored with regular salads – tomato, cucumbers, shredded carrots, and lettuce – and have to switch it up. Enter this salad combo because it’s epic. The only problem? It doesn’t use tomatoes and I bought tomatoes (out of habit). Not a life shattering problem, but I definitely wanted to use them and not waste them. Enter this idea for an easy tomato jam/spread.
If I’m being honest, I’m not much of a jam person. I was influenced and bought the Bonne Maman Advent Calendar this year because it just looked so cute! But as you can see I haven’t eaten them. I will use them on a cheeseboard when the times comes. It was in this moment my tomato ‘jam’ idea came to light. What if I turned those tomatoes into a jam? I could use it on toast, on potatoes (instead of ketchup), mix in with my eggs, the sky is the limit. The key would be not making it too sweet.
Ingredients: Easy Tomato Spread
Think of this as a quick jam/spread. I hate to call it jam because it really isn’t sweet. There is a touch of sugar to help offset the acid in the tomatoes. Here in Florida tomatoes are in season and are just perfect. Use your discretion when adding in more (or less) sugar. That’s why I called it a spread and not jam.
- Tomatoes: I used grape tomatoes because that’s what I had on hand. I think any tomato would work just fine.
- Lime Juice: When I make chia jam I add in lemon juice and have used lime juice depending on the fruit. I thought lime juice paired better with tomatoes than lemons.
- Sugar. Just 1/2 tablespoon is all I needed to complement the tomatoes and lime juice. If your tomatoes are not currently in season (as many are not) you might need up to a tablespoon. You can always add more if needed, start with less.
- Garlic Cloves: Can you really go wrong with adding garlic to any dish? Remember this is more on the savory side. Garlic is a must. The only question, is two enough? I love garlic!
- Black Pepper: Again, we’re going for savory. I use pepper and no salt, but you can always add a dash of salt as well.
How To Make Easy Tomato Spread
Cook tomatoes for about 10 minutes. That’s it. Similar to having fruit ‘cook down’ this is what the tomatoes will do too. Tomatoes can have a little bit of a tougher outer skin than fruit, and that’s why I do puree it in my food processor. I prefer it smooth and without chunks.
- Cooking the Tomatoes: Add all the ingredients to a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Stir frequently. The tomatoes will ‘burst’ and begin to soften. If needed, use a wooden spoon to break them apart.
- Process the Tomatoes: Allow for the tomatoes to cool just a bit. Transfer carefully to a food processor and puree them until smooth. Pour into a jar and let cool completely. The mixture will continue to thicken. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you think you won’t use it all up, freeze the remaining amount.
OTHER TOMATO RECIPES!
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Easy Tomato Spread
Tomatoes about to go bad? This Easy Tomato Jam/Spread is a great way to use those tomatoes up. Quick, delicious, and always aiming to help reduce food waste.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a saucepan over medium high heat. Add the tomatoes, garlic, sugar, and lime juice. Stir often. Cook until the tomatoes begin to burst. If needed, use a wooden spoon to break the tomatoes apart. Continue to cook as the mixture boils, about 10-12 minutes.
- Cool the tomatoes for a few minutes. Then carefully transfer the mixture to a food processor. Blend until smooth and no chunks are left (or alternately, leave as is and don’t puree).
- Pour into a jar and let the tomato mixture continue to cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Store in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
Notes
*I kept this recipe simple. Different herbs and spices could be added to change the flavor profile. I did this so it could be added to whatever else I had cooked and that flavor would shine through. I added it these rosemary potato stacksand it was a great compliment to the already flavored potatoes. I think adding basil would be the first addition I’d try or keep it simple so you can add it to all the things!
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Condiments
1 thought on “Easy Tomato Spread”
I might want to spread this tomato jam on everything! So flavorful!