Homemade Sun Dried Tomato Paste Recipes

HOMEMADE SUN-DRIED TOMATO PASTE

Steps:

• Put the tomatoes in a medium bowl.
• Add some very hot water to cover.
• Stir for a few minutes, then drain.
• (this softens the tomatoes and gets rid of some of the packing oil).
• In a food processor, combine the tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and seasonings.
• Puree until smooth.
• Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO PUREE

Steps:

• Cover dried tomatoes with water and bring to a simmer. Turn off heat. Let cool down in liquid to plump up tomatoes. Drain well and set in food processor with garlic and olive oil Puree until you have a smooth mixture but one which still has texture. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Incorporate additions if you wish, or leave that to last minute. Store as is (or incorporate additions) in the freezer or transfer to a jar and cover the top with a film of olive oil.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO SPREAD

Steps:

• In a blender or food processor, mix tomato paste, basil, olive oil, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, salt, white sugar and garlic salt. Blend to the consistency of a spreadable paste. Chill in the refrigerator until serving.

SUN-DRIED TOMATOES I

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C).
• Wash and halve tomatoes. Gently squeeze out the seeds. Place the tomatoes on a non-stick cookie sheet, and sprinkle with salt to taste.
• Bake until tomatoes take on a leathery texture. This could literally take all day; smaller pieces will require less oven time.

SPICY RED PESTO PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Prepare the pesto: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, walnuts, tomato paste, garlic and red-pepper flakes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring, until mixture is toasted and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a bowl to let cool for a few minutes.
• Add the roasted red peppers and Parmesan to a food processor. Top with the cooled tomato mixture and the remaining 2/3 cup olive oil, and pulse the mixture until you form a paste. (It makes 2 cups.)
• Season the boiling water generously with salt, then add the pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 1/2 cups pasta water, then drain the pasta.
• Return the pasta to the pot, along with about 1 1/2 cups of the red pesto and 1 cup of the pasta water, and stir vigorously until the sauce is glossy and the pasta is evenly coated. Stir in additional pesto or pasta water to taste. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Divide among bowls, sprinkle with Parmesan and top with torn basil. Shave some fresh lemon zest on top, if using. Serve immediately.