Baked Caramelized Cherry Tomatoes

Baked caramelized cherry tomatoes are a delicious side dish that can accompany various dishes or be served as an appetizer. Here’s the recipe with an Italian twist.

Ingredients

• 500 g of cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• A few leaves of fresh basil (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 190 °C (375 °F).
2. Wash the cherry tomatoes and dry them carefully. Cut them in half and place them with the cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar until you have a homogeneous mixture.
4. Pour the mixture over the tomatoes, trying to cover each half evenly.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
6. Bake the tomatoes for about 15-20 minutes or until they start to soften and become slightly caramelized at the edges.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
8. If desired, before serving, add some torn fresh basil leaves for a touch of freshness and a further nod to Italian flavors.

Curiosity

Caramelizing the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and, combined with the acidity of the balsamic vinegar, creates a very pleasant contrast of flavors on the palate. Moreover, baking concentrates the flavors, making them even more intense.

Remember that this preparation is very versatile: you can play with herbs, for example adding rosemary, thyme, or oregano for variations on the theme. You can also serve them on toasted bread for a tasty appetizer.