Tomatoes are one of the most versatile and popular ingredients in the kitchen. Whether sliced in a refreshing salad, simmered into a rich pasta sauce, or simply enjoyed on their own, the flavour and nutritional value of tomatoes are undeniable. However, their delicate nature can make them prone to spoilage if not stored properly. Let us explore some simple yet effective tips on how to keep your tomatoes fresh for an extended period. 1. Selecting the right tomatoes The first step in ensuring prolonged freshness is to start with high-quality tomatoes. Look for ones that are plump, firm, and vibrant…
Peach, prosciutto burrata sourdough crostini with burst cherry tomatoes Bursting with flavour, this is the perfect way to kick off your summer lunch. https://youtu.be/0AmtaPLjmW0 HANDS-ON TIME: 10 min | TOTAL TIME: 20 min | SERVES: 4-6 as a snack INGREDIENTS Tomato vinaigrette ⅓ cup olive oil 250 g cherry tomatoes ½ small red onion 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced salt and pepper, to season ¼ cup red-wine vinegar 2 tbsp chives Crostini sourdough loaf, cut into 1.5 cm slices and toasted 250-500 g burrata cheese 2 peaches cut into thin wedges 140 g prosciutto slices fresh basil leaves METHOD…
Cheesy brunch bread pudding with slow-roasted tomatoes A cheese lover’s dream brunch! SERVES 6 | PREP TIME 10min | COOK TIME 1hour 30 min | VEGETARIAN INGREDIENTS Slow-roasted tomatoes 6 medium roma tomatoes, halved 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp rosemary leaves 2 tsp fennel seeds Cheesy brunch bread pudding 2 tbsp olive oil 3 onions, sliced thinly 3 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tbsp chopped rosemary leaves, plus 1 tablespoon leaves extra 2 tsp fennel seeds 300 g stale crusty sourdough bread, sliced thickly 60 g salted butter, softened 4 eggs, beaten lightly 1¼ cups milk ⅔ cup buttermilk…
Braaied lamb with tamarind and turmeric tomatoes Tender lamb leg with a side of fried tomatoes. PREP TIME 20 minutes | COOK TIME 45 minutes | SERVES 6 INGREDIENTS 1.5 kg boned and butterflied leg of lamb, trimmed of excess fat 2 tbsp olive oil freekeh and rocket leaves, to serve Tamarind and turmeric tomatoes ¼ cup vegetable oil 2 tsp mustard seeds 2 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp chilli flakes 2 garlic cloves, sliced ⅓ cup fresh curry leaves, plus extra 2 tsp turmeric 500 g small ripe roma tomatoes, halved 500 g baby truss tomatoes 2…
Fish provencal with herbed tomatoes Want to enjoy some comfort food without the guilt? This low carb Fish provencal with herbed tomatoes recipes are just for you! TOTAL TIME 35 min| SERVES 4| Dairy Free| Gluten Free |Low Carb| Low Sugar INGRDIENTS 300 g Brussels sprouts, halved ⅓ cup Oil 4 x 150g Firm white fish fillets 2 Zucchini, thinly sliced lengthways 250 g Cherry tomatoes 1 ½ tbsp Coarsely chopped fresh parsley 1 ½ tbsp Coarsely chopped fresh dill METHOD BOIL, steam or microwave Brussels sprouts until just tender; drain. HEAT 1 tablespoon of oil in a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. Season fish…
Heirloom tomatoes look beautiful, taste amazing, and encourage the preservation of genetic diversity. They taste much better than standard tomatoes, too. In fact, there are heirloom taste competitions around the world. So what are they and how can you grow some? Here are the basics. What is an heirloom tomato? There over 10’000 kinds of tomatoes in the world. There are roughly two kinds of tomato seeds: first, open pollinated, which means they are pollinated by natural means like insects or birds. Second, created, or in other words, purposefully cross-pollinated with other parent tomatoes. This is helpful for developing certain…
5 ways with tinned tomatoes Tinned tomatoes, an ingredient we all have in our pantries. Dont know how to use your tinned tomatoes? Check out 5 ways to use tinned tomatoes. Tomato sauce Make an easy tomato sauce by heating a knob of butter with some olive oil and adding a finely sliced garlic clove. Toss for a minute, then add a tin of whole Italian tomatoes. Cook over a low heat for 20 minutes and mash the tomatoes with a fork. Throw in a few torn fresh basil leaves, season to taste and serve with hot pasta. Cocktail Make…
One of Florence’s signature dishes, this simple steak recipe perfectly combines classic Tuscan flavours Recipe and styling by Nomvuselelo Mncube
This delicious risotto only takes 30 minutes to make! Recipe and styling by Nomvuselelo Mncube Photograph by Dylan Swart
Cruciferous or leafy vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli and kale belong to the Brassicaceae (also known as Cruciferae) family. Rich in nutrients, cruciferous veg are also good sources of fibre. Recipe and styling by Claire Ferrandi Assisted by Dashania Murugas Photographs by Annalize Nel
Do you have vegans or vegetarians on your guest list over the holidays? Don’t fret. These delicious whole stuffed tomatoes are all you need to whip up an unforgettable spread. Be sure to make extra, though, as meat eaters will want to tuck in. Recipe and styling by Claire Ferrandi Photograph by Dylan Swart
Perfect for Sunday lunch…
This delightful dish is perfect for those last lazy days of summer. Roasted tomatoes, asparagus, goat’s cheese and walnut salad served with mustard and a balsamic dressing offer a real flavour burst.
I always make a double batch of pesto. It’s so good tossed through spelt spaghetti and cherry tomatoes for a quick and healthy midweek supper. Serve these spelt pizza with heirloom tomatoes, nectarine, prosciutto and kale pesto with a large green salad to create a more balanced meal with increased nutritional value. Recipe, styling and photographs by Dianne Bibby
The lemon adds a particularly lovely tang to this fish dish. Pan-fried hake with chickpeas, tomatoes and paprika with a lemon-cider butter is a wonderful lunch or dinner dish, especially on a light summer day. Recipe by Nomvuselelo Mncube Photograph by Dylan Swart