Savory Balsamic Grape Tomatoes with Crispy Bacon and Sage
Celebrate the bounty of fresh produce with this vibrant dish featuring juicy grape tomatoes, sweet onions, and crispy bacon. The combination of savory flavors and the tang of balsamic vinegar brings these sweet tomatoes to life, making them a perfect side for roasted meats or a hearty main course. With the aromatic touch of fresh sage, this dish captures the essence of autumn's harvest. Pair it alongside a hot sauce-rubbed roast chicken and baby potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress guests and family alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onion
1-2 (Very large, sliced)
Lean Bacon
3.5 ounces (Chopped)
Oil
3 tablespoons (For frying)
Balsamic Vinegar
2 tablespoons (For flavoring)
Brown Sugar
2 teaspoons (To enhance sweetness)
Grape Tomatoes
2 cups (Rinsed)
Flaked Sea Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Fresh Sage Leaves
4 tablespoons (Finely chopped (or substitute dried basil))
Instructions
1
Begin by heating a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the oil and allow it to heat up thoroughly.
2
While the oil is heating, peel and slice a large onion (or two smaller onions) into thin strips.
3
Once the oil is hot, add the onions to the pan. Stir them frequently, allowing them to fry until they soften and become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4
While the onions are cooking, chop the bacon into small pieces, ensuring they are separated.
5
Add the chopped bacon to the pan with the onions. Stir well to prevent the bacon from sticking together, and cook until the bacon is crispy, about another 5 minutes.
6
Once the bacon is cooked, reduce the heat slightly and add the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar to the pan. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
7
Rinse the grape tomatoes under cold water and measure out 2 cups (500 ml). Add the tomatoes to the pan, gently stirring them into the mixture.
8
Season with flaked sea salt to taste, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally until some tomatoes start to wrinkle and blister, about 5 minutes.
9
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh sage leaves (or dried basil if fresh is unavailable) thoroughly to incorporate their flavors.
10
Transfer the tomato mixture to a warmed serving dish. If desired, finish with a sprinkle of coarse black pepper or additional sea salt before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary vegetable in this dish?
The primary vegetable used is grape tomatoes, specifically 2 cups or 500 ml.
How should the onions be prepared?
You should peel and slice one large or two small onions into thin strips.
What type of bacon is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3.5 ounces of lean bacon, chopped into small pieces.
How long should the onions be fried?
Onions should be fried for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
When should the bacon be added to the pan?
Add the chopped bacon once the onions have softened and become translucent.
What is the purpose of adding brown sugar?
Brown sugar is used to enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and balance the balsamic vinegar.
What is the substitute if fresh sage is unavailable?
If fresh sage is not available, you can substitute it with dried basil.
How do I know when the tomatoes are finished cooking?
Cook the tomatoes for about 5 minutes until some of them start to wrinkle and blister.
At what heat setting should I start the wok?
Begin by heating the wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
Should the tomatoes be washed before cooking?
Yes, rinse the grape tomatoes under cold water before adding them to the pan.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar for flavoring.
How much oil is required for frying?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of oil.
What kind of salt is suggested for seasoning?
Flaked sea salt is recommended to season the dish to taste.
When should the fresh sage be added?
The sage should be stirred in after the pan has been removed from the heat to preserve its flavor.
Can this dish be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a side for roasted meats or as a hearty main course.
What are some suggested pairings for this recipe?
It pairs well with hot sauce-rubbed roast chicken and baby potatoes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
How long does it take to cook the bacon?
The bacon takes about 5 minutes to become crispy once added to the onions.
How long should the balsamic vinegar and sugar simmer?
The mixture should simmer for 1-2 minutes before adding the tomatoes.
Should the serving dish be prepared in any specific way?
The recipe suggests transferring the mixture to a warmed serving dish.
Is there a final garnish suggested?
You can finish the dish with a sprinkle of coarse black pepper or additional sea salt.
What is the texture of the finished onions?
The onions should be soft and translucent.
How do I prevent the bacon from sticking?
Stir the bacon well upon adding it to the pan to ensure the pieces stay separated.
What type of cooking vessel is best?
A large wok or a skillet is recommended for this recipe.
Is this recipe considered a seasonal dish?
Yes, it is described as capturing the essence of autumn's harvest.
Can I use regular table salt?
While the recipe calls for flaked sea salt, you can use table salt, though you may need to adjust the quantity.
How much sage is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh sage leaves.
Does the recipe require peeling the tomatoes?
No, the grape tomatoes are used whole after being rinsed.
What should I do after adding the tomatoes to the pan?
Gently stir them into the onion and bacon mixture and season with salt.
How much brown sugar is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of brown sugar.