This year, my garden gifted me a great variety of tomatoes. Large, small, sweet, juicy, and so abundant that it would be a shame not to preserve them. So I thought that preparing a good and organic cherry tomato preserve is the best way to capture the scent of summer in a jar and keep it with you all year round. It’s a simple recipe but full of meaning and love for me. A gesture that speaks of tradition, and above all, childhood memories.
We always spent the summer at our grandparents’ house in the province of Caserta. Around mid-August, preparations began in the courtyard. We prepared peeled tomatoes, tomato sauce, and cherry tomatoes “pacchetelle”, tomatoes cut into pieces and pressed inside bottles or jars with basil leaves and salt, to later enrich during the year the Bolognese Ragù and make a delicious lasagna on Sundays, when the whole family gathers at the table.
But enough talk, prepare it yourself and please let me know what you think in the comments 😉
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- Difficulty: Medium
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 3 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Summer
Ingredients
- 6.6 lbs cherry tomatoes
- 1 oz
- 10 leaves basil
Preparation
To prepare the cherry tomato preserve, you need to sterilize the jars and their lids (preferably new) in a pot with plenty of water, boiling them for at least 20 minutes. Let them dry (I place them upside down on a plate), and when they are dry, wipe them with a paper towel to remove any limescale residue.
Now focus on the cherry tomatoes. Wash them well in a container with water and a bit of baking soda, and if necessary, rub them to remove any dirt. Rinse and drain them well.
Cut them into slices or pieces (whichever you prefer), and collect them in a large container. Once this is done, take one of the sterilized jars and place about 2 fresh basil leaves (depending on their size) inside.
The big moment has arrived, it’s time to add the tomato pieces into the jar 😀
With the help of a spoon, fill the jars with the cherry tomato pieces, trying to press them in as much as possible (a wooden or steel spoon can be used). If you like basil, when you’re halfway through the jar, you can add another leaf. Continue filling, pressing with your hands, up to about 1 inch below the rim.
Finish with one or two basil leaves and a bit of coarse salt. If the tomatoes release too much water, I recommend removing a little. Continue like this with all the other jars.
Close the jar with a suitable lid for boiling, tighten well, and set aside. Repeat the same steps for the other jars until the tomatoes are finished.
Prepare a large pot on the stove and place a towel at the base. Then lay the jars on the base, and cover with another towel to prevent the jars from bumping into each other. Add enough water to cover the jars, close with a lid, then turn on the heat and once it boils, continue cooking for an hour and a half on medium-low heat, making sure it doesn’t lose the boil.
Let the jars with the cherry tomatoes cool in the pot, then take them out, dry them, and leave them at room temperature for a bit.
Finally, it’s time to store your jars of cherry tomato preserve in the pantry.
Useful Tips
Always use ripe, healthy, and bruise-free tomatoes to get an even tastier preserve.
Fill the jars by pressing well and eliminating any air bubbles.
Store the jars in a cool, dark place to keep them for up to 12 months.
Always check that the lid is well sealed before consuming the preserve.
How to Use Your Cherry Tomato Preserve
This preserve is perfect for many tasty recipes:
To dress pasta: pour the cherry tomatoes directly into the pan with a sauté of onion or garlic and cook for a few minutes. Then you can dress any type of pasta.
For stews: add the chopped cherry tomatoes to stews, fish fillets, meat, soups, and stews to add flavor and freshness.
FAQ
How long does cherry tomato sauce keep?
If well sterilized and stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, it can last up to 12 months. Once opened, the jar should be kept in the fridge and consumed within a few days.
How can I tell if a jar is no longer good?
Do not consume the preserve if the lid is swollen or makes a click-clack sound, if there is a bad smell upon opening, or if the sauce looks unusual.
Can I add herbs or spices?
Yes, you can add onion or garlic, but it’s advisable to include them only when using the preserve.
Which cherry tomatoes are best for this preserve?
You can use whichever cherry tomatoes you prefer as long as they are firm, intact, and ripe. The most commonly used varieties are cherry, date, or piccadilly because they have compact flesh and a sweet taste.
