This delightful sun-dried tomato recipe combines the rich, concentrated flavors of sun-dried tomatoes with the aromatic essence of garlic and fresh basil. It's a versatile dish that can be used as a topping for pasta, a spread for bread, or even a flavorful addition to salads.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common, you might need to pay special attention to sun-dried tomatoes. These can be found in the dried goods section or sometimes in the produce aisle of your supermarket. Make sure to get the ones that are not packed in oil, as you'll be soaking them yourself.
Ingredients for Sun-Dried Tomato Recipe
Sun-dried tomatoes: These tomatoes have been dehydrated to preserve their rich, tangy flavor. Soaking them in warm water rehydrates them for cooking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add a pungent, aromatic flavor to the dish.
Olive oil: This oil is used for sautéing and adds a smooth, rich texture to the recipe.
Fresh basil: Chopped basil leaves provide a fresh, herbal note that complements the tomatoes and garlic.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When soaking sun-dried tomatoes, make sure the water is warm but not boiling. This helps to rehydrate them evenly without making them too mushy. After soaking, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before adding them to the pan. This ensures they absorb the olive oil and garlic flavors more effectively during cooking.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
sun-dried tomatoes - Substitute with oven-dried tomatoes: Oven-dried tomatoes provide a similar concentrated flavor and texture, making them a great alternative.
sun-dried tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers offer a sweet and smoky flavor that can complement the dish in a unique way.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder, sweeter taste compared to garlic, but still add a depth of flavor.
garlic - Substitute with ginger: Ginger provides a different but equally aromatic and pungent flavor, adding a unique twist to the dish.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor that works well in most recipes.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is neutral in flavor and has a high smoke point, making it a versatile substitute.
fresh basil - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley offers a bright, slightly peppery flavor that can stand in for basil.
fresh basil - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro provides a distinct, citrusy flavor that can add a fresh twist to the dish.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the sun-dried tomato mixture to cool completely before storing. This helps maintain the texture and flavor.
- Transfer the cooled mixture into an airtight container. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids work best to preserve the fresh basil aroma.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. The sun-dried tomato mixture will keep well for up to a week.
- For longer storage, consider freezing. Spoon the mixture into ice cube trays for easy portioning.
- Once frozen, pop the cubes out and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for reference.
- When ready to use, thaw the desired number of cubes in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
- Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil if needed to refresh the flavors.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Place a skillet over medium heat.
- Add a splash of olive oil to the pan.
- Once the oil is warm, add the leftover sun-dried tomato mixture.
- Stir occasionally, cooking until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Microwave Method:
- Transfer the sun-dried tomato mixture to a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
- Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Check the temperature and heat in additional 30-second intervals if necessary.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the sun-dried tomato mixture evenly in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Steaming Method:
- Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
- Place the sun-dried tomato mixture in the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Sous Vide Method:
- Place the sun-dried tomato mixture in a vacuum-sealed bag.
- Set your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
- Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for 20-30 minutes.
- Remove from the bag and serve immediately.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Pan: A flat-bottomed cooking vessel used for sautéing the garlic and cooking the sun-dried tomatoes.
Spatula: A tool used for stirring and mixing ingredients in the pan.
Knife: Essential for mincing the garlic and chopping the fresh basil.
Cutting board: A surface on which to chop the garlic and basil.
Measuring cup: Used to measure the olive oil and sun-dried tomatoes accurately.
Bowl: Used to soak the sun-dried tomatoes in warm water.
Colander: Used to drain the soaked sun-dried tomatoes.
Stove: The heat source for cooking the ingredients in the pan.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-soak the tomatoes: Soak sun-dried tomatoes in advance and store them in the fridge to save time when cooking.
Use pre-minced garlic: Purchase pre-minced garlic to cut down on prep time.
Chop basil ahead: Chop fresh basil and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Batch cook: Make a larger batch of the sun-dried tomato mixture and store leftovers for quick meals later.
Heat oil while soaking: Start heating the olive oil while the tomatoes are soaking to streamline the process.
Sun-Dried Tomato Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes soaked in warm water for 10 minutes
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak sun-dried tomatoes in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in fresh basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for another 5 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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