The tomato stock cube is the star of this recipe where Serena guides us to discover a simple yet surprising flavor. A natural enhancer, a red pesto full of taste, perfect for adding a special touch to your everyday dishes. Great spread over crackers or as a dip for raw vegetables. Below is my reworked version, easy to prepare and worth trying because, once tasted, you won’t be able to do without it!
SEASON of #date tomatoes – from May to October, aromatic herbs (#basil #oregano #thyme): fresh in the warm season, dried all year round.
RECIPES with tomatoes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Cheap
- Rest time: 2 Hours
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 10.58 oz of red stock cube
- Cooking methods: No cooking
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer, and Autumn
- Energy 189.41 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 24.91 (g) of which sugars 10.17 (g)
- Proteins 4.02 (g)
- Fat 9.84 (g) of which saturated 1.41 (g)of which unsaturated 0.35 (g)
- Fibers 4.61 (g)
- Sodium 57.55 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 100 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Tomato Stock Cube
- 1.5 cups date tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes)
- 2.1 oz sun-dried tomatoes (high quality, or those in oil)
- 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
- Half tsp oregano (or thyme)
- 0.35 oz basil (fresh)
- Half clove garlic (optional)
Salt is not essential, as tomatoes are naturally flavorful. If needed, you can always add it when using, depending on the recipe.
Tools
- Blender electric
- Molds for ice cubes
Tomato Stock Cube
Wash the date tomatoes and place them in the blender.
Add the sun-dried tomatoes (if using sun-dried tomatoes not in oil, it’s advisable to rehydrate them in water to soften them and make them easier to use).
Place the oregano and chopped garlic in the blender.
And finally, the basil and the oil.
Blend until a thick and homogeneous sauce is obtained.
Transfer the cream into ice cube molds and freeze. Once the cubes are solidified, remove them from the molds, place them in food bags, and store them in the freezer.
How long does it take for the tomato cubes to solidify in the freezer?
Generally, it takes 3-4 hours, but for safety, it’s better to let them freeze overnight.
HOW TO USE the tomato stock cube
HOW TO USE the tomato stock cube
Can it be used to season pasta?
Yes, just melt one cube in a pan with a drizzle of oil or a splash of hot water to obtain a quick, tasty, and completely natural seasoning.
HOW TO USE the tomato stock cube
The tomato stock cube is a true joker in the kitchen, perfect for enhancing any type of dish.
You can use it to boost the flavor of tomato or vegetable-based sauces by adding it halfway through cooking, or you can use it directly in roasts, braises, stews, meat or legume ragouts for a more intense and rich flavor.
Try it also in soups instead of classic stock, or use it in gazpacho. It’s a super enhancer for eggs, omelets, or fillings for vegetables or grains.
It’s also ideal for giving a boost to vegetable or fish soups, caponata or peperonata, and generally to all stir-fried vegetables. It’s even excellent for marinating meat and flavoring stewed fish.
Try it also in more unusual preparations, such as in breading, in red pesto, or as a base for hummus.
For a more whimsical use: brush it on roasted vegetables or bruschetta, or use it to enrich doughs for crackers, flatbreads, pizzas, focaccias, or fresh pasta and gnocchi.
Great spread on bread for tasty sandwiches.
When to add the tomato stock cube?
The tomato stock cube can be added halfway or at the end of cooking for a more intense and decisive flavor. Or at the beginning of cooking for a richer and more uniform taste.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
How long does the tomato stock cube last in the freezer?
If stored properly in food bags, the frozen tomato stock cube can last 4-6 months. It’s important to seal the bag well to prevent it from absorbing odors from the freezer.
What tomatoes should be used to make the stock cube?
Well-ripened date tomatoes are the most flavorful; alternatively, you can use Piennolo tomatoes or San Marzano. To achieve a more intense taste, add a little tomato paste.
Does the tomato stock cube replace the classic stock cube?
Yes, the tomato stock cube can replace vegetable or meat stock cubes in many preparations, especially when you want to enhance the tomato flavor. It is perfect for soups, risottos, sauces, and also for flavoring vegetables and legumes.
Is it necessary to add oil to the tomato stock cube?
It’s not mandatory, but a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can make the stock cube softer.
