Smoky Grilled Roma Tomatoes
Discover the art of fire roasting tomatoes at home with this simple yet delicious recipe. Fire roasted Roma tomatoes bring a rich, smoky flavor that complements a wide range of dishes, from pastas to salads to sauces. The robust flavor comes from grilling Roma tomatoes, known for their dense flesh and low moisture. This cooking method not only enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes but also creates a perfect texture that withstands freezing, making it a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought options. Serve these flavorful tomatoes immediately, or preserve their incredible taste for future use.
10
Servings
10
Calories
2
Ingredients
Ingredients
Roma tomatoes
To taste (Cut in half lengthwise)
Olive oil
As needed (For brushing)
Instructions
1
Prepare your grill: If using a gas grill, preheat to medium heat. For charcoal, light the briquettes and let them reach a medium-hot state.
2
Slice the Roma tomatoes in half from stem to tip and gently brush the cut sides with olive oil.
3
Place the tomatoes cut side down directly over the medium flame for gas grills. For charcoal grills, set them in the center over the hot coals.
4
Grill the tomatoes for about 5 to 8 minutes, watching closely. They are ready when they develop beautiful dark char marks and the skins begin to blacken slightly.
5
Once cooked, remove the tomatoes from the grill and place them in a bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to capture the steam and help loosen the skins.
6
After about 10 minutes, once the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, peel off the blackened skins with your fingers or a small knife.
7
Dice the flesh and reserve any juices that collect in the bowl.
8
Serve the smoky grilled Roma tomatoes immediately, or transfer them to a freezer-proof container, layering with the reserved juices for later use.
Nutrition Information
0.6g
Fat
1.2g
Carbs
0.2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Smoky Grilled Roma Tomatoes?
They are fire-roasted tomatoes prepared on a grill to achieve a rich, smoky flavor and a dense texture perfect for various dishes.
Why are Roma tomatoes used for this recipe?
Roma tomatoes are chosen for their dense flesh and low moisture content, which allows them to hold their shape during grilling.
How do I prepare a gas grill for these tomatoes?
Preheat your gas grill to medium heat before placing the tomatoes on the grates.
How do I prepare a charcoal grill for fire roasting?
Light the charcoal briquettes and allow them to reach a medium-hot state before cooking.
How should I slice the tomatoes for grilling?
Slice the Roma tomatoes in half from stem to tip (lengthwise) to provide a flat surface for grilling.
Do I need to use oil on the tomatoes?
Yes, gently brush the cut sides of the tomatoes with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance the roasting process.
Which side of the tomato goes face down on the grill?
Place the tomatoes cut side down directly over the flame or hot coals.
How long does it take to grill Roma tomatoes?
Grilling typically takes between 5 to 8 minutes depending on the heat of your grill.
How can I tell when the tomatoes are finished cooking?
They are ready when they develop dark char marks on the cut side and the skins begin to blacken and pucker.
What is the purpose of covering the tomatoes with plastic wrap after grilling?
Covering them in a bowl captures the steam, which helps loosen the skins for easier peeling.
How long should the tomatoes steam in the bowl?
Let them sit covered for about 10 minutes or until they are cool enough to handle.
How do I remove the skins from the grilled tomatoes?
Once cooled and steamed, you can easily peel off the blackened skins using your fingers or a small knife.
Should I discard the liquid in the bowl after steaming?
No, reserve any juices that collect in the bowl as they contain significant flavor and help preserve the tomatoes.
What is the best way to serve these tomatoes?
They can be served immediately as a side, diced into salads, or used as a base for smoky pastas and sauces.
Can I freeze fire-roasted tomatoes?
Yes, these tomatoes withstand freezing very well, making them a great option for long-term storage.
How should I package the tomatoes for the freezer?
Transfer them to a freezer-proof container and layer them with their reserved juices before sealing.
How many calories are in a serving of Smoky Grilled Roma Tomatoes?
There are approximately 10 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 0.6g of fat.
Are there many carbohydrates in these grilled tomatoes?
No, there are only about 1.2g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides about 0.2g of protein.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, it is a cost-effective alternative to buying expensive store-bought canned fire-roasted tomatoes.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a vegetable dish and is excellent for preserving and homemade sauces.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe as described makes approximately 10 servings.
What ingredients are required?
You only need Roma tomatoes and olive oil.
Can I use these tomatoes in pasta sauce?
Absolutely, the smoky flavor adds a rich depth to any homemade pasta sauce.
Are these tomatoes suitable for salads?
Yes, the diced grilled flesh adds a unique texture and fire-roasted taste to fresh salads.
What type of charcoal is best?
Standard charcoal briquettes work well; ensure they are medium-hot before placing the tomatoes over them.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, the recipe uses only plant-based ingredients (tomatoes and olive oil).
Can I use a small knife to peel the tomatoes?
Yes, if the skins are stubborn, a small paring knife can assist in removing the blackened skin.
Do these tomatoes have a high moisture content?
No, Roma tomatoes are naturally low in moisture, which is why they are ideal for this grilling method.