Wash and prepare the cherry tomatoes
Rinse them thoroughly under running water and pat dry with a cloth or paper towel. Cut them in half and set aside. If they are small, you can leave them whole, but cutting them in half will absorb the flavors better.
The fragrant condiment
In a small bowl, combine the oregano, thyme, a pinch of salt, and a finely chopped garlic clove (I always remove the core for easier digestion). For a touch of freshness, grate a little lemon zest.
Arrange in a casserole dish
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the cherry tomatoes, cut-side up. Don’t pack them too tightly so they cook evenly.
Sugar, oil, and oven-baked
Sprinkle each cherry tomato with sugar, add the herb mix, and finish with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Slow-cooking
Bake at 150°C in a conventional oven for about 2 hours. It’s a long time, but it’s precisely this slow cooking that transforms them: they remain soft inside, slightly shriveled, and shiny on the surface.
How to enjoy them
Once ready, you can use them immediately or store them in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days in an airtight container. If you like, you can also store them in oil for longer storage.
I usually make a lot of them and freeze them, so I always have them ready: just take them out and let them thaw for an hour, and they’re as good as freshly made. Trust me, they’re delicious over pasta with a little fresh basil.
Bibliographic References
Frequently Asked Questions
How to prepare sun-dried cherry tomatoes?
To make sun-dried cherry tomatoes, cut them in half and season them with oregano, thyme, salt, chopped garlic, and sugar. Arrange them, cut-side up, in a baking dish, add the herbs and extra virgin olive oil, and bake at 150°C for about 2 hours.
How to store sun-dried cherry tomatoes?
Sun-dried cherry tomatoes can be stored for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container or in oil to extend their shelf life. They can also be frozen for later use.
What dishes can you use sun-dried cherry tomatoes in?
Sun-dried cherry tomatoes are very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes such as pasta, bruschetta, salads, and even on homemade pizzas.
