Marinated tomatoes (vegan, gluten-free)

It’s summer here in Northern California, and the farmers’ markets are chock-full of gorgeous, colorful ripe tomatoes. Marinating them is a way to preserve the harvest a bit longer. Serve them strained or with the marinade. Below are some ideas for using them, but can you think of other ways?

Ingredients

• ripe tomatoes, diced, reserving their juices
• olive oil
• balsamic vinegar
• kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• garlic, minced
• fresh mixed herbs (such as basil, oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary, and parsley)
• jalapeño chile (optional)

Method

1. In a large bowl, add the tomatoes with their juices. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and a few grinds of pepper. Add the garlic, herbs, and jalapeño and toss until combined.
2. Let marinate at room temperature, stirring occasionally, for at least 2 hours. Store airtight in the refrigerator between uses.

Ways to use the marinated tomatoes

• For appetizers, place some strained tomato on each cracker.
• Toast a slice of bread, spread with avocado, and top with the strained tomatoes.
• In a baking dish, add a layer of the tomatoes and their marinade. Top with thinly sliced onion, olives, and raw seeds and nuts of choice or breadcrumbs. Bake until browned.
• For lasagne, use the tomatoes and their marinade instead of canned tomatoes.
• Make a salad of lettuce, chickpeas, olives, green onions, and parsley and toss with the tomatoes and their marinade, olive oil, and either lemon juice or balsamic vinegar.
• Stuff a warmed whole-wheat pita with hummus, tahini, the strained tomatoes, sliced cucumber, arugula or lettuce, and hot sauce.
• Toss the tomatoes and their marinade with hot pasta and parsley.
• Spread a whole-grain pizza dough with pesto, the strained tomatoes, and roasted red peppers and bake.
• Top a bowl of lentils and rice or your favorite summer soup with the tomatoes and their marinade and parsley and/or cilantro.
• Warm a corn tortilla and fill with the strained tomatoes, avocado slices, beans of choice, cilantro, and lettuce.