Tomato Powder: Harness the Flavor of Summer

 
Tomato Powder

Harness the Flavor of Summer: How to Make and Use Tomato Powder

Summer is the time when tomatoes are at their peak—juicy, flavorful, and abundant. And with tomato season in full swing, if you find yourself with more tomatoes than you can eat fresh, why not extend their season by making tomato powder? It's a versatile ingredient that can add a burst of flavor to your dishes all year long. Here's how to make it and a few creative ways to use it in your kitchen.


Recipe: How to Make Tomato Powder
 
Ingredients:
  • Fresh, ripe tomatoes - I like Plum or Roma, but any will work.
Equipment:
  • Dehydrator or oven
  • Blender or spice grinder
  • Fine-mesh sieve (optional)
 

Dehydrated Tomatoes

 
Instructions:
 
1. Prepare the Tomatoes:
  • Wash and dry your tomatoes. Slice them as thinly as possible; this helps speed up the dehydration process.

2. Dehydrate the Tomatoes:
  • Using a Dehydrator: Arrange the tomato slices on the dehydrator trays in a single layer. Set the dehydrator to about 125°F (52°C) and let it run for 8-12 hours, or until the tomatoes are completely dry and brittle.

3. Using an Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to its lowest setting, around 175°F (80°C). Lay the tomato slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet in the oven and let the tomatoes dry out for 6-10 hours, flipping them halfway through. Keep the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.

4. Grind into Powder:
  • Once the tomatoes are fully dried, let them cool. Use a blender or spice grinder to pulverize the dried tomatoes into a fine powder. For a finer texture, sift the powder through a fine-mesh sieve and re-grind any larger pieces.

5. Store:
  • Store your tomato powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly dried and stored, it can last up to a year.
 
Ways to Use Tomato Powder

Now that you have your homemade tomato powder, here are a few ways to incorporate it into your cooking:

Enhance Sauces and Soups:

  • Add a teaspoon or two of tomato powder to boost the flavor of tomato-based sauces, soups, or stews. It’s a great way to add depth without adding more liquid.

Create Tomato Paste:

  • Mix equal parts tomato powder and water to create an instant tomato paste. Adjust the ratio for your desired consistency.

Seasoning Blend:

  • Use tomato powder as part of a dry rub for meats, especially grilled chicken or steak. It pairs well with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried herbs.

Tomato Salt:

  • Mix tomato powder with sea salt to create a flavorful finishing salt. Sprinkle it on roasted vegetables, eggs, or popcorn for an extra kick.

Boost Salad Dressings:

  • Stir a small amount of tomato powder into vinaigrettes or creamy dressings to add a rich, umami note.

Homemade Pasta:

  • Incorporate tomato powder into your homemade pasta dough for a vibrant color and a subtle tomato flavor.

Flavoring Bread Dough:

  • Add a tablespoon or two to bread dough for a tangy twist on classic loaves. It works especially well in focaccia or ciabatta.

Tomato Butter:

  • Blend tomato powder into softened butter along with a pinch of salt, some garlic, and herbs. Use it to top grilled corn, steaks, or spread on warm bread.

Seasoned Rice:

  • Add tomato powder to the liquid you use to cook your rice for a nice flavor boost. 

     

    Tomato Powder
     
Final Thoughts
 
Tomato powder is a fantastic way to preserve the essence of summer tomatoes and add an extra dimension to your cooking. Plus, it’s easy to make and incredibly versatile. So, the next time you have a bumper crop of tomatoes, give tomato powder a try—you’ll thank yourself in the depths of winter when you’re craving a taste of summer.

What do you think? Ready to turn your summer bounty into a pantry staple?
 
Let me know how how you're going to use tomato powder, I’d love to know. Remember to tag your creations with @The_SmallTownChef. Until next time, happy cooking!

As always, reach out to The Small Town Chef with any questions or comments. We look forward to hearing from you.


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Location: Northampton, PA, USA

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