How to Cook San Marzano Tomatoes: The Ultimate Guide

How to Cook San Marzano Tomatoes

San Marzano tomatoes are a type of plum tomato that is grown in the Campania region of Italy. They are known for their rich flavor and thick, meaty texture. San Marzano tomatoes are often used in sauces, soups, and stews, and they can also be eaten fresh.

In this article, we will discuss how to cook San Marzano tomatoes. We will cover a variety of methods, including roasting, grilling, and frying. We will also provide tips on how to choose the best San Marzano tomatoes and how to store them properly.

So whether you are looking for a new way to use San Marzano tomatoes or you are simply trying to learn more about this delicious Italian ingredient, read on!

Step Instructions Image
1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). San Marzano Tomatoes in Oven
2 Cut the tomatoes in half lengthwise. San Marzano Tomatoes in Oven
3 Place the tomatoes cut-side up on a baking sheet. San Marzano Tomatoes in Oven
4 Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. San Marzano Tomatoes in Oven
5 Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly browned. San Marzano Tomatoes in Oven
6 Serve immediately or let cool and store in the refrigerator for later use. San Marzano Tomatoes in Oven

Choosing the Right Tomatoes

San Marzano tomatoes are a type of plum tomato that is grown in the Campania region of Italy. They are known for their rich flavor and thick, meaty flesh. When choosing San Marzano tomatoes, look for tomatoes that are:

  • Firm and plump.
  • Bright red in color.
  • Free of blemishes or bruises.
  • Small to medium in size.
  • Grown in Italy.

You can find San Marzano tomatoes at most grocery stores and specialty food stores. They are typically sold in cans or jars.

Preparing the Tomatoes

Before cooking San Marzano tomatoes, you will need to prepare them by:

  • Rinsing them under cool water.
  • Removing the stems.
  • Cutting them in half or quarters.

If you are using canned San Marzano tomatoes, you will need to drain them before using them in a recipe.

Cooking San Marzano Tomatoes

There are many ways to cook San Marzano tomatoes. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Braised San Marzano Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomatoes, garlic, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and saucy.
  • Roasted San Marzano Tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are browned and slightly shriveled.
  • Sun-dried San Marzano Tomatoes: To sun-dry tomatoes, slice them in half and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Place the baking sheet in a sunny spot and let the tomatoes dry for 2-3 days, or until they are leathery and dry.

San Marzano tomatoes can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, pasta sauces, and pizzas. They are also delicious on their own, simply drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

San Marzano tomatoes are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. By following these tips, you can choose the best tomatoes and cook them to perfection.

Cooking the Tomatoes

There are many different ways to cook San Marzano tomatoes, depending on the desired outcome. For a simple and flavorful sauce, you can roast them in the oven. To do this, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the tomatoes in half lengthwise and place them cut-side up on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and browned around the edges.

You can also cook San Marzano tomatoes on the stovetop. To do this, heat a large pot or skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Add the tomatoes, cut-side up, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until they are softened and starting to brown. Add salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tomatoes are cooked through.

Finally, you can also cook San Marzano tomatoes in a slow cooker. To do this, add the tomatoes, cut-side up, to a slow cooker. Add olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the tomatoes are softened and flavorful.

Once the tomatoes are cooked, you can use them in a variety of dishes, such as pasta sauce, pizza sauce, soups, stews, and salads.

Storing the Tomatoes

San Marzano tomatoes can be stored in a variety of ways. If you are planning to use them within a few days, you can store them at room temperature in a cool, dry place. If you are planning to store them for longer than a few days, you can freeze them or can them.

To freeze San Marzano tomatoes, simply wash and dry them. Cut them in half and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 2-3 hours, or until they are frozen solid. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. San Marzano tomatoes can be frozen for up to 6 months.

To can San Marzano tomatoes, you will need to blanch them first. To do this, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the tomatoes and cook for 30 seconds. Remove the tomatoes from the boiling water and place them in a bowl of ice water. Once the tomatoes are cool, peel them and remove the seeds.

Fill sterilized jars with the peeled and seeded tomatoes. Add a teaspoon of salt to each jar. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place the jars in the boiling water and process for 45 minutes. Remove the jars from the boiling water and let them cool completely. San Marzano tomatoes can be canned for up to 1 year.

San Marzano tomatoes are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy San Marzano tomatoes all year long.

How to Cook San Marzano Tomatoes?

Q: What are San Marzano tomatoes?

A: San Marzano tomatoes are a type of plum tomato that is grown in the volcanic soil of Mount Vesuvius in Italy. They are known for their sweet, rich flavor and their thick, meaty texture.

Q: How to choose the best San Marzano tomatoes?

A: When choosing San Marzano tomatoes, look for tomatoes that are firm and plump, with a deep red color. The tomatoes should also be free of blemishes or bruises.

Q: How to store San Marzano tomatoes?

A: San Marzano tomatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. To store, place the tomatoes in a single layer on a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet. Cover the tomatoes with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.

Q: How to cook San Marzano tomatoes?

There are many ways to cook San Marzano tomatoes. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Roasted San Marzano tomatoes: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Cut the tomatoes in half and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly browned.
  • Braised San Marzano tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomatoes, garlic, and onion. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and the onions are translucent. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • San Marzano tomato sauce: In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and the onions are translucent. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Q: What are some other uses for San Marzano tomatoes?

A: San Marzano tomatoes can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, pasta dishes, and pizzas. They can also be used to make sauces, jams, and chutneys.

Q: Are San Marzano tomatoes good for you?

A: San Marzano tomatoes are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also low in calories and fat. Eating San Marzano tomatoes can help to improve your overall health and well-being.

San Marzano tomatoes are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are best when cooked slowly, as this allows their natural sweetness to come out. When choosing San Marzano tomatoes, look for those that are firm and have a deep red color. Avoid tomatoes that are bruised or have soft spots. San Marzano tomatoes can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, sauces, and pizzas. They can also be eaten raw in salads or as a snack. When cooking San Marzano tomatoes, it is important to not overcook them, as this will result in a loss of flavor. Instead, cook them over low heat until they are soft and flavorful. San Marzano tomatoes are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.

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Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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