Rich red, juicy, full of nature's goodness and often tangy; we are talking about a food item that is widely accepted as a vegetable but, surprisingly, is a fruit - tomato. There are so many varieties of tomatoes on the planet that different cultures and countries across the globe use it as a significant part of their everyday diet. We have an amazing collection of tomato recipes with refreshing salads,, zingy chutneys, soul soothing soups and spellbinding curries - there are no dearth to the number of dishes you can be created using them. Enjoy them raw or cooked, tomatoes are hydrating, splendid on taste buds and extremely beneficial for health.
Tomatoes for health
Daily consumption of tomatoes will give you a nourishing dose of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients such as magnesium, Vitamin B6, C and A, iron, calcium, fibre and potassium. Every 100 grams of the fruit has close to 20 calories and zero cholesterol and dietary fat. Apart from this, fresh tomatoes are also great sources of antioxidants and lycopene, which are great in slowing down the ageing process, keeping age-related skin deterioration at bay.
Including tomatoes in your daily diet can also help in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, aiding in bringing down the triglycerides and supporting heart health. Also, according to a recent study conducted by the American Institute of Cancer Research, lycopene has an ability to act against cell damage that may lead to cancer. Some of the recent studies have also linked high lycopene consumption with reduced risks of prostate cancer.
- Opt for the ones with deep crimson colour.
- The fruit should not have any bruises, wrinkles, fissures or cracks.
- Ripe tomatoes are very sensitive and can lose their firmness with slightest application of pressure.
- Opt for fresh ones over canned tomatoes.
- Tomatoes are sensitive to extreme weather. It is ideal to store them at room temperature away from sunlight.
- Never mix tomatoes with fruits like bananas or apples as they emit a certain gas that will speed up the ripening process for tomatoes.
- Tomatoes should not be cooked in aluminum cookware - it may lead to some kind of reaction.
How To Buy And Store Tomatoes
Now that the buying and storing has been taken care of, nothing else should stop you from getting those perfectly red tomatoes and cooking up a delightful meal. Just in case you are in need of some culinary inspiration, we have a list of recipes fished out for you to choose your pick and cook away to glory.
Here are some tomato recipes you can try at home
1. Bomra's Tomato Salad
Tomato bits tossed with tamarind, jaggery, coriander, ginger, garlic along with peanuts, sesame seeds and dry shrimp for that extra crunch.
(Also Read: How To Store Tomatoes The Right Way To Increase Their Shelf Life)
2. Tomato Curry
Tomatoes and moong dal come together to make a tangy curry along with some mixed veggies and chickpea flour.
(Also Read: Tomato Juice Benefits: From Improving Digestion To Boosting Eye Health And More!)
3. Basil Tomato Soup
The subtle aroma of basil gets entwined with the tanginess of tomatoes - infused together, these would make a heartwarming soup for your gnawing appetite.
(Also Read: 10 Interesting Benefits of Tomato: Plump Up with Essential Nutrients)
4. Fish Andlouse
Here's an easy-to-make fish delicacy that will leave you craving for more. Fresh tomatoes and herbs come together to create a sensational sauce, poured atop perfectly baked fish.
5. Tomato Relish
A scrumptious relish made with tomatoes along with vinegar, salt, a dash of brown sugar and pepper. You can use this relish as pizza topping or pair your nachos with it.
6. Tomato Egg Curry
A sensational and easy-to-make egg curry cooked with aromatic spices and a generous dose of blanched tomatoes. Team it piping hot bowl of rice and gorge!
7. Tamatar Kadhi
Give your regular kadhi a tangy twist with tomatoes. Presenting, tamatarkadhi, cooked Sindhi style. An explosion of flavours!
8.Stuffed Tomatoes
Tender tomatoes are hollowed, stuffed with a flavourful mix of rice, chickpea and spices, and grilled away to glory. Wholesome, filling and oh-so flavourful.
9. Chicken in Tomato Gravy
A spellbinding chicken preparation in the flavours of tomato teamed with cream, kasoori methi and melon seed paste.
10. Kundapura Koli Saaru
Here's a special preparation straight from Karnataka. Juicy chicken pieces are cooked in a blend of tomatoes, spices and coconut paste.
11. Chilled Tomato Gazpacho
The classic Spanish cold soup made with a blend of many raw vegetables, most prominent of them being tomato. This hearty broth is a soothing treat ideal for the evenings you want to go light on your tummy.
(Also Read: Is Paella the Dish That Best Connects Spain with India?)
Never thought this tangy fruit was so versatile, right? Try these recipes and let us know which ones you liked the best in the comments section below