Tomato confit is a tasty treat where sweet, juicy tomatoes are slowly cooked in olive oil with garlic and herbs. This makes them incredibly soft and full of flavor!
I love adding it to sandwiches or pasta, and it’s perfect for those days when you just want a little sunshine on your plate. Give it a try; it’s a delightful way to enjoy tomatoes! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: These small tomatoes are the best choice for confit. Their sweetness shines when roasted. If you can’t find them, try using small Roma tomatoes or halved larger tomatoes, but adjust cooking time for even cooking.
Olive Oil: Use a good quality olive oil for rich flavor, but if you’re watching your fat intake, you can replace half with vegetable broth. This will change the texture but still provide moisture.
Garlic: Fresh garlic will give a wonderful aroma and taste. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is always better for this recipe. If you’re looking for a milder flavor, try adding more sliced leeks instead of garlic.
Fresh Thyme: This herb adds a lovely earthy taste. If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme; just use about a third of the amount since dried is more concentrated.
Lemon Zest & Juice: The zest brings brightness to this dish. You can substitute with orange zest if you prefer a different citrus flavor. The juice is optional but adds freshness when serving.
How Do You Make Sure Your Tomatoes Don’t Fall Apart?
The key to perfect tomato confit is low and slow cooking. Cooking at a low temperature helps the tomatoes soften without breaking down completely. Follow these steps for great results:
- Preheat your oven properly to 250°F (120°C). A stable low heat is essential.
- Layer the tomatoes evenly in your baking dish. This helps them cook uniformly.
- Keep an eye on them after about 2 hours. They should be soft and slightly wrinkled but still keep their shape.
- Let cool slightly before serving — this will help them firm up a bit.
How to Make Tomato Confit
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Confited Tomatoes:
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 cup olive oil (enough to cover the tomatoes)
- 4-5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional for serving)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tomato Confit will take about 15 minutes to prep and then 2 to 3 hours to cook in the oven at a low temperature. It’s a slow cooking process that allows the flavors to develop beautifully, making it well worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature is perfect for slowly cooking the tomatoes and enhancing their natural sweetness.
2. Prepare the Tomatoes:
In a small ovenproof dish or baking pan, arrange the cherry or grape tomatoes. You want them to be snug in the dish but not overcrowded, allowing for even cooking.
3. Add Flavors:
Spread the thinly sliced garlic and fresh thyme sprigs evenly over the tomatoes. This will infuse the oil and tomatoes with wonderful aroma and flavor as they cook.
4. Cover the Tomatoes:
Pour olive oil over the tomatoes until they are fully submerged. This oil will help preserve the tomatoes and enhance their taste.
5. Season the Mixture:
Sprinkle a pinch of salt and a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper over the tomatoes and oil. Adjust the salt to your preference, as it will help bring out the flavors of the tomatoes.
6. Slow Cook the Tomatoes:
Place the dish in the oven and let the tomatoes cook slowly for about 2 to 3 hours. Keep an eye on them; they should become soft, tender, and slightly wrinkled without disintegrating.
7. Finish and Cool:
Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the confit to cool slightly. Then, add the lemon zest on top for a burst of brightness and flavor. You can serve with wedges or halves of lemon for drizzling fresh juice, if desired.
8. Serving Suggestions:
This Tomato Confit can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. It’s great as a side dish, on toasted bread, or served alongside your favorite meals. Enjoy the rich, flavorful bites!
Enjoy your flavorful, aromatic Tomato Confit!
Can I Use Other Types of Tomatoes?
Absolutely! While cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal, you can use other small varieties or even halved larger tomatoes. Just make sure they are sweet and ripe for the best flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Tomato Confit?
Store any leftover confit in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits! You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Can I Make Tomato Confit Without Garlic?
Yes, you can omit the garlic if you prefer. The confit will still be delicious, especially if you bump up the herbs or add other aromatics like shallots for flavor.
How Can I Use Tomato Confit?
There are countless ways to enjoy tomato confit! Try it on toasted bread, as a topping for pasta, in salads, or alongside grilled meats. You can even blend it into a sauce or spread for sandwiches!