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Tomatoes: 10 simple recipes
There's nothing better than cooking with fresh tomatoes. Here are some family favourites that will motivate you to switch from the canned version.
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Tomato, tomahto
Going to a farmer's market is truly one of the best ways to get fresh, homegrown produce. Canadian tomatoes are practically a delicacy, and should be incorporated into meals as much as possible.
If you think dicing a tomato might be too time consuming, try slicing it, stacking the slices on top of each other and dicing from there — so quick and easy!
Once you've stocked up on the red fruit, get chopping to try one (or more) of these delicious recipes. -
Quick and thick spaghetti sauce
This homemade spaghetti sauce takes less than half an hour, guaranteed. It's perfect on pasta, pizza, or even as a simple marinara sauce. The recipe calls for canned crushed tomatoes, but why not get the kids together and let them crush their own for some fun in the kitchen.
Get the recipe here -
Tomato Mac and Cheese
This classic dish (with a twist!) is great for batch cooking — simply freeze it and warm it up later.
Get the recipe here: Tomato Mac and Cheese -
Grilled chicken and veg chopped salad
The great thing about a chopped salad is that you can almost personalize it, depending on who likes what the best. I, for example, would swap out the zucchini for more tomatoes and mushrooms. This recipe makes salad step it up a notch.
Get the recipe here -
Black bean tomato soup with cheese balls
Sometimes there's nothing better than fresh, homemade soup. The cheese balls add a little something extra that kids will appreciate too. They'll never know this dish is packed with fibre.
Get the recipe here -
Fresh tomato salsa
Taste the organic difference while tomatoes are in their glory this summer. Pair this up with some organic nacho chips and you'll have a winner.
Get the recipe here
Photo by Glory Foods via Flickr -
Healthy BLT
Not always keen on serving fatty bacon and less-than-nutritious lettuce? Try this healthy twist on a classic BLT with turkey bacon, spinach and, of course, tomato. You can even serve it deconstructed for the kids who don't like sandwiches.
Get the recipe here
Photo by entitee via Flickr -
Grilled vegetable pizza
Why order in? The barbecue's high heat blisters the crust in just the right way, giving the look and taste of pizza from a wood-burning oven. This recipe makes enough for a starter or side dish, but you could easily double or triple as needed for a main course. And of course, you can use as much fresh produce as possible.
Get the recipe here
Photo by mistermed via Flickr -
Express chili
This chili will take less than an hour to make, and isn't super heavy so is good year-round. Try using fresh tomatoes, that way you can sprinkle them on the top afterward as a garnish.
Get the recipe here -
Springtime roti
This takeout favourite is loaded with the season's best produce. If you can't get your hands on the Indian flatbread roti, simply roll the filling inside large whole wheat tortillas.
Get the recipe here -
Balsamic bruschetta
While you've got the kids chopping tomatoes, why not double the recipe so there's some left for tomorrow's lunch? Or maybe even a midnight snack? It's that good.
Get the recipe here
Photo by staciecmorris via Flickr -
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Bessie Di Sabatino (not verified) says ....
I love fresh tomatoes and will try this