Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Sicilian Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A Taste of the Mediterranean Heat
Intensely flavoured sun-dried tomatoes steeped in olive oil and bay — a simple, utterly Sicilian pantry treasure.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ Ripe tomatoes
- ✓ Salt
- ✓ Extra-virgin olive oil
- ✓ 2–3 bay leaves
📊 Nutritional Information
Sun-dried tomatoes are among Sicily’s most beloved preserves — a true taste of summer captured in a jar. Under the fierce Mediterranean sun, local cooks line their courtyards with halved tomatoes, letting the heat work its slow magic as the fruit deepens in colour and flavour.
The result is an intensely savoury, slightly chewy delicacy that brings the warmth of Sicilian afternoons to the table at any time of year. Enjoy them as an antipasto, stir them into pasta or salads, or simply savour them with a good slice of crusty bread and a glass of chilled Sicilian white wine. Each bite carries a whisper of sea breeze and sun-baked stone.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and dry them well.
- 2
Halve the tomatoes and place them on a mat, cut side up. Sprinkle generously with salt and leave to dry in the sun for several days, covering them at night.
- 3
They’re ready once they’ve darkened and developed a slightly leathery texture.
- 4
Pack the dried tomatoes into sterilised glass jars, covering them fully with extra-virgin olive oil and adding the bay leaves.
- 5
Allow the tomatoes to settle in the jar for a day. Check the oil level after a few days and top up if necessary. A pinch of oregano adds a lovely aromatic note.
💡 Tips and Variations
Add oregano, chilli flakes or even a sliver of garlic for extra fragrance. You can also turn these tomatoes into a vibrant pesto by blending them with almonds and fresh basil.
📦 Storage
- • Store jars in a cool, dark place.
- • Do not freeze — freezing alters their texture.
- • Ensure the tomatoes remain fully submerged in oil to prevent mould.
🍷 Pairing
Enjoy with a glass of Sicilian Grillo — its bright, fruity character brings out the tomatoes’ concentrated sweetness.
Thank you for joining me on this little journey through Sicilian flavours. Sun-dried tomatoes are a simple, timeless delight that can elevate countless dishes — give them a try and share the sunshine.
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