4 Creative Ways to Use Tomatoes When Cooking

Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Tomatoes; Cookery

Style My Soul Explores …

Tomatoes and its creative uses! We’ve gathered four unique ideas from founders and food bloggers.

Crafting Sweet Tomato Jam
Tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes beyond just salads and sandwiches. One creative way to incorporate tomatoes into your cooking is to make tomato jam. We can make this sweet and tangy spread by cooking down chopped tomatoes with sugar and spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Spread it on toast, stir it into yogurt or cottage cheese for a quick snack, or use it to top meat or fish entrees. Tomato jam is easy to make at home with fresh tomatoes and allows you to enjoy their flavor all year round. So, next time you have an abundance of tomatoes, consider turning them into a delicious and unique jam you can use in both sweet and savory applications. - Lindsey Chastain, Founder, The Waddle and Cluck

Creating Stuffed Tomato Vessels
One creative way to use tomatoes while cooking is to use them as a vessel. Try cutting off the top of the tomato, scooping out the inside flesh and seeds, and stuffing it with a rice and veggie stuffing — similar to a stuffed bell pepper. Top the whole thing with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and bake it for 15 minutes at 375°F. Stuffed tomatoes are a great side dish for a grilled steak or chicken dinner. - Casandra Carrick, Food Blogger, Looks Delic

Designing Elegant Tomato Roses
One creative way to use tomatoes while cooking is to make tomato roses. We can use tomato roses as a garnish to add an elegant and visually appealing touch to your dishes. Choose firm and ripe tomatoes, as they will hold their shape better. Start by slicing off the top of the tomato, creating a flat base. This will allow the tomato to stand upright. Using a sharp knife, make very thin, even slices along the length of the tomato. The slices should be about 1/16 to 1/8 inch (1.5 to 3 mm) thick. Lay the tomato slices out flat, and you’ll see that they resemble elongated, curved rectangles. Take one tomato slice, and gently roll it up from one end to the other. This rolling action will create the appearance of a rosebud. The flat, cut side of the tomato slice should be on the outside, mimicking the petals of a rose. Place the tomato rose on a plate or dish. If it’s not holding its shape well, you can use a toothpick or a small herb stem to secure it in place. Repeat the process with the rest. - Joe Li, Managing Director, CheckYa

​Producing Tomato-Infused Oil
Create a flavorful, tomato-infused oil by heating tomatoes with olive oil and herbs. We can use this aromatic oil as a dressing for salads, drizzled on pizzas, or even as a finishing touch for pasta dishes. The natural sweetness and acidity of tomatoes infuse the oil, adding a unique and vibrant flavor profile to various dishes. For example, drizzle the tomato-infused oil over a Caprese salad for a burst of tomato flavor, or use it to sauté vegetables for a deliciously seasoned side dish. It can also be a delightful addition to homemade focaccia bread, providing a subtle tomato undertone. The versatility of tomato-infused oil makes it a creative choice that many people wouldn’t typically suggest while cooking with tomatoes.
- Yoana Wong, Co-Founder, Secret Florists