Stewed tomatoes, a humble dish, yet capable of evoking deep comfort and nostalgia. If your garden is overflowing with ripe tomatoes, or you’re simply seeking a healthier, more flavorful alternative to store-bought canned tomatoes, then you’re in for a treat. This homemade stewed tomatoes recipe, inspired by the hearty, wholesome cooking style of the Pioneer Woman, is about to become your new kitchen staple. Prepare to be amazed at how incredibly easy and utterly delicious homemade stewed tomatoes can be!
Close-up of vibrant, red homemade stewed tomatoes in a pot, simmering gently, showcasing their rich texture and inviting aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Stewed Tomatoes Recipe
Forget the bland, watery versions you might have encountered. This recipe delivers stewed tomatoes bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor. Imagine the sweet and tangy taste of perfectly ripened tomatoes, simmered to a soft, luscious consistency, enhanced with just the right touch of seasoning.
- Unbeatable Freshness: Using fresh tomatoes from your garden or local farmer’s market makes a world of difference. The taste is simply incomparable to canned.
- Simple and Straightforward: This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, perfect for beginner cooks and busy individuals alike. With minimal prep time and readily available ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time.
- Versatile Culinary Gem: Stewed tomatoes are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a comforting side dish, spoon them over pasta, use them as a base for soups and stews, or even can them for enjoying the taste of summer all year round.
- Wholesome and Healthy: Made with fresh, natural ingredients, homemade stewed tomatoes are a much healthier option compared to many commercially canned versions that can be high in sodium and added sugars.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Style Stewed Tomatoes
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry:
- Fresh Tomatoes: 10 medium-sized tomatoes, beefsteak or Roma varieties work best. A mix of both is also fantastic for a more complex flavor profile.
- Salt: 2 teaspoons, to enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and balance the flavors.
- Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon, just a pinch to further enhance the sweetness and cut through any acidity.
- Dried Parsley: 1 teaspoon, for a touch of herbaceousness and classic stewed tomato flavor.
- Green Bell Pepper: 1/4 cup chopped, adds a mild, slightly sweet pepper flavor that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
Ingredients for stewed tomatoes laid out on a wooden countertop: fresh red tomatoes, green bell pepper, salt, sugar, and dried parsley in small bowls and measuring spoons.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Stewed Tomatoes
Making these Pioneer Woman inspired stewed tomatoes is easier than you might think! Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide:
Preparing the Tomatoes: The Quick Boil Method
The first step is to peel the tomatoes. Don’t worry, this is a breeze with the quick boil method:
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
- Blanch Tomatoes: Gently drop the tomatoes into the boiling water for just 30 seconds. This quick blanch is key to easy peeling.
- Ice Bath: Immediately transfer the blanched tomatoes to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and further loosens the skins.
Close-up shot of tomatoes being plunged into boiling water, steam rising, illustrating the first step of blanching for easy peeling.
- Peel and Dice: Once cooled slightly in the ice bath, the tomato skins will slip right off with ease. Peel all the tomatoes and then dice them to your desired size. Don’t worry about perfection; rustic chunks are perfectly fine for stewed tomatoes!
Image of peeled tomatoes submerged in an ice bath, showcasing the easy peeling process after blanching.
Simmering to Perfection: Bringing it All Together
Now comes the simmering stage, where the magic happens and the flavors meld together:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot set over medium heat, combine the diced tomatoes, salt, sugar, dried parsley, and chopped green bell pepper.
- Simmer: Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened and the stew has reached your desired consistency. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Stewed tomatoes simmering in a large pot on the stovetop, bubbling gently, releasing their delicious aroma.
- Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the stewed tomatoes and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt, sugar, or parsley to your liking.
Finished stewed tomatoes in a pot, ready to be served, highlighting their rich color and slightly chunky texture.
Serving Suggestions: Pioneer Woman Style Comfort
These stewed tomatoes are delicious served in countless ways, embracing that comforting, Pioneer Woman style of cooking:
- Classic Side Dish: Serve them warm as a simple and satisfying side dish alongside grilled chicken, roasted meats, or hearty meatloaf.
- Pasta Topping: Spoon them generously over your favorite pasta, like macaroni or spaghetti, for a quick and flavorful meal.
- Mac and Cheese Booster: Stir them into creamy mac and cheese for an extra layer of flavor and a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness.
- Soup and Stew Base: Use them as a flavorful base for tomato soup, vegetable stew, or even chili.
- Canning for Later: Preserve the taste of summer by canning your homemade stewed tomatoes to enjoy throughout the year.
Stewed tomatoes served in a white bowl, garnished with fresh parsley, ready to be enjoyed as a side dish or part of a meal.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Stewed Tomatoes
- Tomato Variety Matters: Beefsteak and Roma tomatoes are ideal because they are meaty and less watery, resulting in a richer stew. However, don’t hesitate to use a mix of garden tomatoes for a unique flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: Simmering for 30 minutes is usually perfect, but be mindful not to overcook and boil off all the juices. The slightly juicy consistency is part of the charm of stewed tomatoes.
- Storage: Store leftover stewed tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
Stewed tomatoes in a mason jar, ready for refrigerator storage or canning, showcasing their versatility for preserving and enjoying later.
Embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of homemade with this Pioneer Woman inspired stewed tomatoes recipe. Once you taste the difference, you’ll never go back to canned! Enjoy!
