If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavor-packed side dish or a delightful addition to your salads, look no further than these Simply Delicious Blistered Tomatoes. This dish is not only quick to prepare, but it also elevates your everyday meals with its burst of flavors and fresh ingredients. Imagine juicy tomatoes bursting in your mouth, mingling with the mild sweetness of red onion and shallots, topped off with fragrant basil and rich feta cheese. It’s a symphony of flavors that is both simple and satisfying.

Let’s dive into why this recipe should be a staple in your kitchen.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Blistered tomatoes are not just delicious; they are incredibly versatile. They can be served as a side dish, tossed into pasta, or even enjoyed on their own with some crusty bread. The combination of sautéed onions, shallots, and the fresh burst of tomatoes creates a delightful balance that is sure to please any palate. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals without sacrificing flavor.

With minimal effort and a handful of fresh ingredients, you’ll have a dish that looks impressive and tastes even better. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these blistered tomatoes are bound to become a favorite at your table.

Ingredients

⅓ cup red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
½ cup shallot, peeled and thinly sliced
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 pints cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes)
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

How To Make Simply Delicious Blistered Tomatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering your ingredients. Rinse the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and set them aside to dry. Peel and thinly slice the red onion and shallots, ensuring you have even slices for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot before moving on to the next step—this is crucial for achieving those perfect blistered tomatoes.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Shallots

Add the thinly sliced red onion and shallot to the hot skillet. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent. The gentle cooking will enhance their sweetness, laying the groundwork for the dish.

Step 4: Add the Cherry Tomatoes

Once the onions and shallots are ready, add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Shake the pan gently to distribute the tomatoes evenly.

Step 5: Season and Cook

Sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the tomatoes, shaking the pan to combine. Let the tomatoes cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to burst and blister. Keep an eye on them—you want that delicious char without overcooking.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Basil and Feta

Once the tomatoes have blistered beautifully, remove the skillet from heat. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes, and gently stir in the chopped fresh basil. The warm tomatoes will wilt the basil just a bit, releasing its aromatic fragrance. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top for a creamy finish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer your blistered tomatoes to a serving dish. This dish is best enjoyed warm, but it’s also delightful at room temperature. Pair it with grilled meats, tossed in a salad, or enjoy it with some crusty bread.

Expert Tips

Use a wide skillet to ensure that the tomatoes have enough space to blister properly without steaming.
Feel free to adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
If you want a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions and shallots.
For a dairy-free option, omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative.

Variations and Customizations

Mix in other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added color and nutrients.
For a Mediterranean twist, add olives or capers.
You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
If fresh basil isn’t available, try using fresh parsley, arugula, or mint for a unique flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

To store any leftovers, allow the blistered tomatoes to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving again. These tomatoes can also be used cold in salads, making them a versatile addition to your lunch.

FAQ

Can I use other types of tomatoes instead of cherry or grape tomatoes?

Yes, you can use other small varieties of tomatoes. Just be mindful that larger tomatoes may require longer cooking times and may not blister in the same way.

What can I serve blistered tomatoes with?

Blistered tomatoes make a fantastic side dish for grilled meats, seafood, or as a topping for pasta. They can also be served on toast for a quick and delicious appetizer.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the tomatoes and the sautéed onions/shallots ahead of time. Simply reheat before serving, but the texture may differ slightly.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Blistered tomatoes are great for meal prep. Portion them out with grains or proteins for easy lunches throughout the week, or use them as a topping for salads and sandwiches.

Conclusion

In just a few simple steps, you can create a stunning dish of Simply Delicious Blistered Tomatoes that bursts with flavor and brings the freshness of summer to your table year-round. With the perfect combination of sweetness from the tomatoes, savory notes from the onions and shallots, and the creamy tang of feta cheese, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy it as a side or make it the star of your meal—either way, these blistered tomatoes are sure to satisfy! So gather your ingredients, turn on that stove, and get ready to savor a dish that is truly delightful.

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