What are sun dried tomatoes?

Sun-dried tomatoes are ripe tomatoes that have had most of their water content removed through a process of drying, traditionally under the sun. This age-old preservation method concentrates the natural flavors and sweetness of the tomatoes, resulting in an intensely savory, sweet, and tangy product with a chewy texture. They are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly Italian, where the abundant sunlight provides ideal conditions for their preparation. While typically made from red plum varieties like Roma, their distinctive taste has made them a global culinary ingredient.

In the Indian context, sun-dried tomatoes are considered more of a gourmet or specialty ingredient rather than a traditional staple. Unlike in Mediterranean countries where sun-drying vegetables for preservation is a common practice, India's traditional preservation methods for tomatoes often involve making purees, chutneys, or pickles (like the South Indian endu tomato pachadi or tomato pickle), which might involve some drying but not necessarily to the same extent or in the same way as classic sun-dried tomatoes.

The availability and usage of sun-dried tomatoes in India have seen a significant rise in recent years, primarily driven by the country's exposure to global cuisines and the booming interest in fusion cooking. They are now readily available in larger supermarkets, gourmet stores, and online platforms, often imported or produced by niche Indian companies catering to a more cosmopolitan palate. They are typically found either fully dried (which require rehydration before use) or preserved in olive oil, sometimes with added herbs like oregano, garlic, or chili flakes.

Indian chefs and home cooks are increasingly experimenting with sun-dried tomatoes to add a unique depth of flavor to contemporary and fusion dishes. They are being incorporated into various preparations that borrow from Western culinary styles, such as pasta sauces, pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. The concentrated umami and tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes can provide an interesting counterpoint to the vibrant spices found in Indian cooking.

Beyond direct adaptations, some Indian culinary enthusiasts are creatively integrating sun-dried tomatoes into existing Indian dishes. For instance, they might be blended into chutneys for a rich, tart kick, added to gravies to deepen the tomato flavor, or even chopped and mixed into fillings for savory snacks like samosas or parathas for an unexpected burst of flavor. This fusion often involves balancing their strong, distinct taste with traditional Indian spices to create harmonious new profiles.

Despite their growing popularity, sun-dried tomatoes are unlikely to replace fresh tomatoes as a staple in everyday Indian cooking, mainly due to the year-round availability and affordability of fresh tomatoes across most of the country. However, they represent a fascinating evolution in the Indian pantry, serving as a testament to the willingness to embrace global ingredients and adapt them to local tastes, adding another layer of complexity and innovation to India's already rich culinary heritage.

How to select sun dried tomatoes

While buying readymade ones from the market, check for the seal of the packs and expiry dates.

Culinary Uses of sun dried tomatoes

They can be used in a wide variety of recipes, especially in pizzas and other Italian dishes.

They are also best-suited for making a variety of chutneys and pickles.

Sun-dried tomatoes add a nice tangy flavour to different salads and soups as well.

It can also be used to make purees and gravies.

They can also be added in some cheese-based dips and spreads and served with appetizers as well.

How to store sun dried tomatoes

These sun-dried tomatoes should be stored in air-tight pouches and bags and always kept in the deep freezer.

Health benefits of sun dried tomatoes

Since sun-dried tomatoes preserve much of the nutrients of normal tomatoes, they are rich in lycopene, vitamin C and sodium.

They are loaded with antioxidants, which are proven to be heart-friendly.

Since they are rich in calcium, they help keep your bones in healthy shape.

soaked and chopped sun dried tomatoes

For soaked and chopped sin dried tomatoes, first soak the sun dried tomatoes in warm water for upto 30 minutes or till they turn soft and pliable. Drain and place them on a chopping board and chop into small or big pieces using a sharp knife. You can chop them into coarse pieces by cutting them roughly or can also chop into smaller pieces.