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    Home » Pairings

    June 16, 2021 Pairings

    What Goes Well With Tomatoes?

    What goes well with tomatoes? Learn the best ingredient pairings, meal ideas, popular flavor combinations, and other helpful tips.

    First things first.

    What are Tomatoes?

    Plant Family

    The tomato is a member of the nightshade family along with bell peppers, eggplant, and potatoes (not including sweet potatoes).

    Although they're a fruit, tomatoes are often thought of as a vegetable since they don't have the same sweet flavor profile that the majority of fruits have.

    Colors, Varieties, Flavors

    Their colors can range from red to yellow to orange, to green, to a darker, reddish-brown color.

    Even though there are thousands of varieties, the most popular tomato varieties are:

    • Red Beefsteak
    • Green Beefsteak
    • Roma (also called Plum)
    • Heirloom (come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors)
    • Grape
    • Cherry
    • On the Vine
    • Cocktail

    Their texture and flavor range from crunchy to meaty and sweet to tangy depending on the variety.

    Helpful Tips

    When to Buy

    The peak season for tomatoes is summer through early autumn. Peep the seasonal produce guide to see what else is in season right now.

    What to Look For

    Look for tomatoes that are plump, richly colored, and firm with smooth skin. When they're ripe, they have a sweet fragrance.

    Storage

    Because cold temperatures halt their ripening process, it's best to store them at room temperature but out of direct sunlight. They'll keep for up to one week this way.

    Cooking techniques

    Tomatoes can be baked, broiled, confited, fried, grilled, roasted, sauteed, stewed, or eaten raw.

    What Ingredients Go Well With Tomatoes?

    Vegetables

    Arugula, beets, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chile peppers, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, fava beans, fennel, garlic, ginger, green beans, horseradish, leeks, mushrooms, okra, onions, peas, shallots, squash, and zucchini.

    Fruit

    Avocados, lemons, limes, mango, melon, orange (juice), pineapple, raspberries, strawberries, and watermelon.

    Herbs

    Basil, chives, cilantro, dill, lavender, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley (flat-leaf), rosemary, sage, tarragon, and thyme.

    Spices

    Allspice, bay leaf, cayenne, celery salt, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, fennel seeds, paprika (esp sweet), pepper (black and white), red pepper flakes, saffron, and salt (kosher, Maldon, & sea).

    Nuts & Seeds

    Almonds and hazelnuts.

    Non-dairy/dairy

    Butter, cheese (cheddar, feta, mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta), cream, cream cheese, and yogurt.

    Proteins

    Anchovies, chicken, crab, eggs, fish (poached or grilled), ham, lamb, meats, shellfish, and veal.

    Pantry Items

    Aioli, bread (and bread crumbs), capers, chickpeas, coconut milk, chili sauce, honey, legumes, mayo, mustard (esp whole grain), olive oil, olives (esp black or niçoise), pasta, rice, stock/broth, sugar (pinch), tomato paste, and wine (red, rose, white, or vermouth).

    Popular Tomato Pairings

    • avocado + basil + crab
    • avocado + lemon
    • basil + chervil (French parsley) + garlic + tarragon
    • mozzarella + basil + garlic + olive oil + balsamic vinegar
    • basil + olive oil + orange juice + prosciutto + watermelon
    • ricotta + basil

    What to Make With Tomatoes

    Tomatoes are a common ingredient in French, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, and Spanish cuisines and are often used in pasta and pasta sauces, pizza, salads, sandwiches, sauces, soups, stews, and vinaigrettes.

    Try these tomato recipes:

    • Dairy-Free Margherita Pasta
    • Greek Stuffed Zucchini Boats
    • Caprese Salad (with vegan mozzarella)
    • Dairy-Free Butternut Squash Lasagna
    • The Best Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan

    More Ingredient Pairings

    • Zucchini
    • Cauliflower
    • Leeks

    More Ingredient Pairings

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      What Goes With Brussels Sprouts?
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      What Goes With Asparagus?
    • A bin of whole butternut squash vegetables.
      What Goes With Butternut Squash?

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    Hi, I'm Lindsey. My goal is to teach you how to become a better cook, rely less on recipes, and be more adaptable in the kitchen depending on what's in season, in your pantry, or to fit your dietary needs. All recipes are dairy-free but come with a "make it your way" substitution section to get you started.

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