Off-season tomatoes may not have the same vibrant flavour as summer varieties, but they can still be delicious. We always have a little routine to get the most of off-season tomatoes, bringing out their natural sweetness, so we thought we'd share it with you.
Method
Start by bringing your off-season tomatoes to room temperature. This step is essential as it helps to unlock their natural flavours. Simply leave them on the counter for at least 30 minutes, ideally and hour or two before you start preparing them.
Once your tomatoes have warmed up, chop them into your desired size.
Transfer the chopped tomatoes into a sieve placed over a bowl. This will allow excess moisture to drain out. Season the tomatoes generously with salt. The salt not only enhances the flavour but also draws out more moisture, concentrating the tomato's sweetness.
Let the tomatoes sit in the sieve for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll notice the salt will draw out a significant amount of juice. This step is crucial, especially if you’re using the tomatoes in a recipe where excess moisture could be a problem, like in salads (it will dilute your dressing, making it taste of nothing) or as a pizza topping.
After draining, transfer the tomatoes to a bowl. Drizzle with high-quality balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil, and you're ready to go! We often just toss the rest of our salad ingredients through this - good balsamic and oil is delicious enough on its own!