Yes, Random Eats & Sweets is moving to the front of this Blog also, along with the Frugal Kitchen and Frugal Yard & Garden segments. And since the growing season is upon us, it is only fitting to begin with favorite recipes from the garden, tomatoes to be more precise.
For a Main Dish – Tomato Sauce with Raisins and Pine Nuts
This recipe can be found on page 7 of the Squeezo Strainer booklet. This flavorful sauce is a perfect addition to broiled chicken or fish.
3 tsp. sugar
4 C water
1/4 C seedless raisins
1/4 C pine nuts
1/2 C tomato purée
1/2 C Wine vinegar
Put sugar and water into a saucepan. Boil until sugar is dissolved and mixture is golden, but not burned. add raisins and nuts. Simmer for 2 minutes. Add tomato purée and wine vinegar. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Voila! This is also delicious simply served on rice. Add walnuts for extra protein and texture. Dress up with a sprig of fresh parsley.
And Something on The Side – Tomato Hummus Spread
This is a tasty and elegant touch when entertaining. Serve on crackers, Melba toast or toast wedges.
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 cup dried tomatoes
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 cloves garlic, minced
Purée the chickpeas in a food processor. You can also use a food mill or meat grinder if this is what you have on hand.
Add the tomatoes. Process again. You can add a bit of water to obtain a smooth texture. If you wish to add a bit of lemon juice, do so at the very end, to add flavor. Do not use lemon juice to moisten. Add the yogurt, honey, Parmesan and garlic. Process until smooth.
Serve immediately or freeze for later use. If freezing, do so in small serving-size containers (the recipe yields 2 cups).
Garnish with a sprig of parsley and sliced cherry tomatoes when serving. Or top with chopped nuts. This delicately sweet spread is not just for entertaining. Make a large batch and freeze small portions for a healthy snack in the middle of the afternoon.
You might also be interested in:
The frugal Kitchen and The Frugal Yard & Garden
#1 by thekalechronicles on 05/14/2012 - 1:16 pm
Do you have tomatoes already, Granny, or did you preserve some from last year? Mine are history, or not grown yet. That one hardy plant from last year is still putting out leaves, but the blossoms shrivel and fall off — I’m waiting to see if anything volunteers from the seeds of its fallen tomatoes.
#2 by Granny on 05/14/2012 - 1:53 pm
No, I don’t… but thought it does not hurt to have recipes in mind for when the first, irresistible tomatoes appear on the vine, does it?!
#3 by ceciliag on 05/14/2012 - 3:18 pm
That hummus sounds really good and i still have a couple of jars of tomato puree left!! c
#4 by Granny on 05/14/2012 - 5:22 pm
Hi Cecilia. And on what, pray tell, will you spread that tasty hummus?
#5 by ceciliag on 05/14/2012 - 7:36 pm
i will make crostini from home- made rosemary bread! YUM! c
#6 by Granny on 05/15/2012 - 8:25 am
Ho! That sounds scrumptiously delicious. Bon appétit!
#7 by Just A Smidgen on 05/14/2012 - 3:45 pm
Now that Tomato Hummus Spread recipe really caught my eye… we tend to think of Hummus in the same old “ho-hummus” way, lol, this one looks fabulous!!
#8 by Granny on 05/14/2012 - 5:25 pm
Hello again, Smidge… I confess that I have not had a chance to actually make that hummus yet, but was told it is fabulous indeed. This is a recipe I have had for a while but completely forgot… and now I have a sudden craving to make it. Hope you enjoy it if you try.