The sweet and tangy flavor of plum tomatoes makes them a versatile ingredient for many dishes, from soups to salads, main courses to desserts. With their higher sugar content than regular tomatoes, plum tomatoes add a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with other varieties. In this article, we’ll explore 18 flavorful plum tomato recipes perfect for every occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing summer salad or a hearty winter stew, plum tomatoes are the perfect ingredient to bring out the best flavors. We’ve got sweet and savory options, from soups to salads, main courses to desserts. So go ahead, get creative with your plum tomatoes, and discover new ways to enjoy their unique flavor.
Roasted Plum Tomato and Garlic Soup
Warm up with this sweet and savory soup, perfect for a cozy evening.
Ingredients:
– 3 lbs plum tomatoes, halved
– 4-6 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the tomato halves with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender.
3. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion in remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil until translucent. Add the smashed garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the roasted tomatoes, broth, and heavy cream (if using) to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat and let soup simmer for 15-20 minutes or until flavors have melded together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Fresh Plum Tomato and Basil Bruschetta
Elevate your appetizer game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of fresh plum tomatoes, the brightness of basil, and the crunch of toasted bread.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ripe plums (or 2 large tomatoes), diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine diced plum tomatoes, chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned.
4. Top each toasted bread slice with a spoonful of tomato-basil mixture.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using) and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Plum Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese Salad
This classic Italian-inspired salad is a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring juicy plum tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings or as a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 3 large plum tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 1 tsp salt
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Arrange tomato slices on a large plate or platter.
2. Place mozzarella cheese slices on top of the tomatoes.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the salad, followed by a squeeze of balsamic vinegar.
4. Sprinkle salt to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Slow-Roasted Plum Tomatoes with Herbs
Elevate your tomato game with this simple recipe that brings out the natural sweetness and depth of flavor in plum tomatoes. Slow-roasting them with fragrant herbs like thyme and rosemary creates a delightful accompaniment to many dishes.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs plum tomatoes, halved
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 sprigs fresh thyme
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the tomato halves with olive oil, thyme, and rosemary until they are evenly coated.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the tomatoes in a single layer.
5. Roast for 3-4 hours or overnight (8-10 hours).
6. Remove from oven when the tomatoes have collapsed and released their juices, indicating they are fully cooked.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours or overnight (8-10 hours)
Plum Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Elevate your pasta game with this creative twist on classic stuffed shells, featuring the sweet and tangy flavors of plums, tomatoes, and ricotta cheese.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced plum tomatoes
– 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add plum tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture, leaving a small border at the top.
7. Place stuffed shells in a 9×13-inch baking dish and spoon plum tomato sauce over the tops.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Spicy Plum Tomato and Chili Jam
This sweet and spicy jam is perfect for topping toast, using as a glaze for meats or cheeses, or as a dip for crackers. The combination of plums, tomatoes, and chilies creates a unique flavor profile that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs ripe plums, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine plums, diced tomatoes, red bell pepper, and jalapeño.
2. Add sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the jam has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Plum Tomato and Balsamic Glazed Chicken
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of plum tomatoes with the tanginess of balsamic glaze, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 large plum tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush with the garlic-herb mixture.
4. Arrange plum tomato halves on top of the chicken.
5. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the tomatoes.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Grilled Plum Tomato and Halloumi Skewers
Experience the sweet and savory combination of grilled plums, juicy tomatoes, and creamy halloumi cheese on skewers.
Ingredients:
– 1 large ripe plum, cut into wedges
– 2 large tomatoes, cut into wedges
– 8 ounces halloumi cheese, cut into small cubes
– 10 bamboo skewers
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread a plum wedge, tomato wedge, and halloumi cube onto each skewer, leaving a small gap between each piece.
3. Brush the skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the plums are caramelized and the cheese is melted.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Plum Tomato and Olive Tapenade Crostini
Elevate your snack game with this flavorful and visually appealing crostini recipe, perfect for a quick gathering or elegant party. Fresh plum tomatoes and briny olives combine in harmony with rich tapenade and crunchy bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes (or 2-3 large plum tomatoes)
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive tapenade
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss cherry tomatoes with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until caramelized.
3. Spread tapenade on each baguette slice. Top with roasted tomato halves and sliced olives.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Plum Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart
This tart combines the flavors of sweet plum tomatoes with tangy goat cheese, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. Perfect for a summer dinner party or potluck.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 2 large plum tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a small bowl, mix together diced tomatoes, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the tomato mixture evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Top with crumbled goat cheese.
6. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling to form a crust.
7. Brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with chopped basil (if using).
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Plum Tomato and Pesto Pasta Salad
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of plum tomatoes with the boldness of pesto, all on a bed of al dente pasta. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe is a great way to showcase the flavors of the season.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (bowtie or penne work well)
– 2 cups plum tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup pesto
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1/2 cup crumbled mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine plum tomatoes, pesto, basil, and mozzarella cheese.
3. Add cooked pasta to the bowl and toss everything together until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and serve.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Plum Tomato and Avocado Salsa
This refreshing salsa combines the natural sweetness of plums with the tanginess of tomatoes and creaminess of avocado, perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plums, diced
– 1 large tomato, diced
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine plum, tomato, avocado, red onion, and jalapeño.
2. Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Stir in chopped cilantro.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None needed! This salsa is best served chilled or at room temperature.
Plum Tomato and Caramelized Onion Flatbread
Elevate your flatbread game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the natural sweetness of plum tomatoes and caramelized onions. This sweet and savory flatbread is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 plum tomatoes, diced
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
– Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until shaggy dough forms.
4. Gradually add remaining cup of flour and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes.
5. Place the dough on a floured surface and let it rest for 10 minutes.
6. Roll out the dough to desired thickness. Top with caramelized onions, plum tomatoes, and chopped basil (if using).
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Plum Tomato and Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
This recipe combines the savory flavor of Portobello mushrooms with the sweetness of plum tomatoes and the freshness of spinach, creating a delightful and easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large Portobello mushrooms, stems removed and caps cleaned
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 cup plum tomatoes, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the spinach mixture, followed by diced tomatoes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle on top of the mushrooms.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
8. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Plum Tomato and Feta Stuffed Peppers
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of plum tomatoes with the tanginess of feta cheese, all wrapped up in a crunchy bell pepper package. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pint plum tomatoes, diced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together tomatoes, feta cheese, parsley, garlic, and olive oil.
4. Stuff each pepper with the tomato mixture, filling to the top.
5. Place peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Plum Tomato and Chickpea Curry
This recipe combines the sweetness of plum tomatoes with the nuttiness of chickpeas, all wrapped up in a flavorful Indian-inspired curry.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) plum tomatoes, crushed
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the curry powder, cumin, and turmeric. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Add the crushed plum tomatoes and cooked chickpeas. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer the curry for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Plum Tomato and Rosemary Focaccia
Experience the flavors of Italy with this simple yet satisfying focaccia recipe, featuring sweet plum tomatoes and fragrant rosemary. Perfect as a snack or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 large plum tomato, diced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add remaining flour until dough is smooth.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a rectangle.
7. Drizzle with olive oil, scatter diced plum tomato and chopped rosemary on top.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Plum Tomato and Garlic Confit
A flavorful condiment perfect for topping bread, using as a sauce, or adding to dishes for a burst of flavor. This confit is a delicious combination of sweet plums and savory garlic that’s easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for up to 6 months.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs plum tomatoes, halved
– 1 head of garlic, peeled and sliced into thin pieces
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: herbs like thyme or rosemary (about 1 tablespoon)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine plum tomatoes and garlic slices.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. If using, add herbs like thyme or rosemary.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and roast for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
6. Once the confit has reached your desired consistency, remove from the oven and let cool.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Summary
Get ready to savor the flavor of plum tomatoes! This collection of 18 mouth-watering recipes showcases the versatility of these juicy gems. From savory soups and bruschettas to sweet jams and flatbreads, there’s something for every occasion. Indulge in roasted tomato soup, fresh caprese salad, or spicy jam – the possibilities are endless!