Homemade Sun-Kissed Tomatoes. #algarve #lifeinportugal #healthyaging #plantbased #weightlossfood

Homemade Sun-Kissed Tomatoes: A Taste of Portugal's Coastal Delights

There's something truly magical about the flavours of Portugal – the sun-drenched landscapes, the salty sea air, and the vibrant culinary traditions that celebrate the bounty of the land and sea. And one dish that embodies the essence of Portuguese coastal cuisine is homemade sun-kissed tomatoes. These delightful treats are not only a favourite snack for my son, a sea captain who treasures his visits to our little home near Tavira, but also a taste of the love and care that goes into every jar.

The recipe for homemade sun-kissed tomatoes is simple yet sensational. Fresh, ripe tomatoes are transformed into sweet, savoury delights with just a few key ingredients: sea salt, oregano, extra virgin olive oil, and crushed garlic. After dehydrating the tomatoes overnight in a dehydrator or on a very low setting in the oven, they emerge sweet like candy, ready to be infused with the flavours of the Mediterranean.

Let's take a closer look at the health benefits of these star ingredients:

Fresh Tomatoes: Bursting with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, fresh tomatoes are a nutritional powerhouse. They're rich in vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Tomatoes also contain fibre, which supports digestive health and helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Sea Salt: Harvested from the pristine waters of the Atlantic ocean, sea salt is packed with essential minerals, including magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Unlike highly processed table salt, sea salt retains its natural flavour and nutrients, making it a healthier choice for seasoning your dishes. In moderation, sea salt can help regulate fluid balance, support nerve and muscle function, and enhance the flavour of your favourite foods.

Oregano: Not just a flavourful herb, oregano is also a nutritional powerhouse. It's rich in antioxidants, including rosmarinic acid and thymol, which have been shown to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Oregano also contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, manganese, and calcium. Adding oregano to your diet can help boost your immune system, support bone health, and reduce inflammation.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A staple of the Mediterranean diet, extra virgin olive oil is renowned for its heart-healthy benefits. It's rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Extra virgin olive oil is also a good source of antioxidants, including vitamin E and polyphenols, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Incorporating extra virgin olive oil into your diet can promote cardiovascular health, improve cognitive function, and support overall well-being.

Crushed Garlic: Not just a flavour booster, garlic is also packed with health-promoting compounds. It contains sulfur compounds, such as allicin, which have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Garlic is also rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C and selenium, which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Adding garlic to your diet can support immune function, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and improve circulation.

Once you've combined these wholesome ingredients with your sun-kissed tomatoes, the result is a jar of culinary gold that's as versatile as it is delicious. Spread them on toasted bread for a delightful breakfast, toss them with pasta for a simple yet satisfying meal, or simply enjoy them straight out of the jar as a flavourful snack.

But perhaps the best part of homemade sun-kissed tomatoes is the love and care that goes into making them. As I prepare each batch for my son, I infuse them with the warmth and affection that a mother's hands can provide. And when he takes a bite of these savoury-sweet delights, I know that he's not just tasting the flavours of Portugal – he's tasting the love of home.

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#tomatoes #plantbaseddiet #portugal