Blistered Cherry Tomatoes is a versatile vegan, gluten free recipe that only takes 5 minutes to cook. The tomatoes' insides are juicy, the skin is charred, and the dish has a deep umami flavor. Serve it as an appetizer with hot bread, a summer side, mixed with pasta, or on top of fish or chicken.
Blistered Cherry Tomatoes is a multipurpose recipe that is delicious on its own, and adds flavor to the simplest of dishes, like pasta, meat, and crostini. These easy blistered cherry tomatoes are perfect for a meatless weeknight dinner or weekly meal plan. They only require 5 minutes of cooking time and minimal prep for delicious results. The cooking technique results in bright, sweet tomatoes with a charred skin, juicy center, and rich umami flavor.
Once the tomatoes blister, they become juicy and spreadable. They're especially delicious in the warmer months, when tomatoes are in season and are the sweetest. Once cooked with the garlic, shallot, salt, and pepper, they develop a sweet and savory flavor profile. Since tomatoes have high glutamic acid content, they are a natural plant-based source of umami flavor that enhances a myriad of recipes!
Jump to:
Ingredients
Blistered Cherry Tomatoes require ripe cherry or grape tomatoes and a few common ingredients.
- Cherry tomatoes - Cherry or grape tomatoes are best for this recipe. Heirloom cherry tomatoes are especially bright and flavorful for this recipe. Check out this article to learn about the difference between cherry and grape tomatoes.
- Olive oil - Olive oil adds fat to the recipe, melding the flavors together.
- Garlic - Garlic offers a deep, aromatic quintessential Italian flavor.
- Shallot - Shallot has the flavor of a mild onion without the bite.
- Fresh basil - Fresh torn basil adds a brightness to the tomatoes and aromatics.
How to Make Blistered Tomatoes on the Stove
Blistered tomatoes require a few kitchen essentials used for many other common recipes. To make this recipe, you will need a knife, cutting board, and cast iron skillet. A non stick pan or standard skillet are fine replacements if you do not have a cast iron.
To explore more kitchen items to make your kitchen complete, head to our Kitchen Essentials Shop.
Here are the easy steps to make blistered tomatoes in just 5 minutes:
- Heat Oil - Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat in a heavy cast iron skillet or braiser.
- Add aromatics - Add garlic and shallots to the oil and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes - Place the tomatoes in the skillet and allow them to cook untouched for 2-3 minutes until they begin to char and blister. Stir the tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add seasoning - Turn off the heat and stir in torn fresh basil, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Serve - Serve hot or at room temperature.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store leftover tomatoes in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat leftovers, allow the tomatoes to reach room temperature. Then, add a little olive oil to a skillet and heat on low-medium heat. Add the leftover tomatoes to the pan and give them a stir. Allow the tomatoes to cook for 3-5 minutes or until completely warmed.
Top Tips for Blistered Tomatoes
- Type of tomatoes - For the best blistered tomatoes, use cherry or grape tomatoes. They cook all the way through and maintain their juices.
- Don't stir - When you first add the tomatoes, leave them untouched for 2-3 minutes before stirring. This will allow the tomatoes to blister as they come in contact with the oil.
- Cook on medium high heat - Medium high heat allows the tomatoes to blister without smoking or burning within the first 2-3 minutes.
- Type of tomatoes - For the best blistered tomatoes, use cherry or grape tomatoes. They cook all the way through and maintain their juices.
- Don't stir - When you first add the tomatoes, leave them untouched for 2-3 minutes before stirring. This will allow the tomatoes to blister as they come in contact with the oil.
Variations
- Spicy - Add chili pepper flakes while cooking to imbue heat to the tomatoes.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Drizzle a little balsamic vinegar after you have cooked the tomatoes for a rich tang.
- Herbaceous: Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or oregano for a sharp kick.
How to Serve
Blistered Cherry Tomatoes are versatile and can be paired with just about any dish! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy blistered tomatoes:
- Fish, Chicken, Steak - Jazz up grilled fish, chicken, or steak with garlicky cherry tomatoes.
- As a side or appetizer - These tomatoes are delicious on their own or serve with hot bread as a side or appetizer.
- In pasta - Toss pasta, a little pasta water, and blistered tomatoes together for a delicious vegetarian dinner.
- With eggs - Add some flavor to your brunch with scrambled or Jammy Soft-Boiled Eggs and blistered tomatoes.
- In a salad - Add blistered cherry tomatoes on top of an arugula salad with mozzarella and drizzled balsamic vinegar.
Blistered Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot minced
- 2 garlic cloves cut in half lengthwise
- Fresh basil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a heavy cast-iron skillet or braiser.
- Add garlic and shallots to the oil and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes and allow them to cook untouched for 2-3 minutes until they begin to char and blister. Stir the tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and stir in torn fresh basil, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Serve hot or at room temperature.
Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
I love making these with pasta for a quick dinner.