Jersey Fresh Stewed Tomatoes

There’s nothing quite like the taste of Jersey Fresh tomatoes, especially when they’re stewed to perfection. This recipe captures the essence of summer with vibrant, juicy tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and aromatic onions, all simmered together to create a comforting dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether served as a side dish, spooned over pasta, or used as a base for soups and sauces, these stewed tomatoes bring the fresh flavors of the garden to your table year-round.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs Jersey Fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Begin by peeling the tomatoes. To do this easily, score an “X” on the bottom of each tomato and blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath. The skins should peel off easily. Chop the peeled tomatoes and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Cook the Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot. Stir in the salt, black pepper, sugar (if using), basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the tomatoes simmer gently, uncovered, for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and the flavors have melded together.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stewed tomatoes and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor, add a little more sugar.
6. Serve: Serve the stewed tomatoes hot as a side dish, over pasta, or use them as a base for soups or sauces. They can also be cooled and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for later use.

Enjoy the fresh, rich flavors of Jersey summer in every bite!