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Classic Cozy Old-Fashioned Stewed Tomatoes Recipe

old-fashioned stewed tomatoes - featured image
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A comforting, no-fuss homemade stewed tomatoes recipe that delivers rich, tangy flavors and tender tomato chunks, perfect as a side dish or base for many meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds fresh tomatoes (preferably plum or Roma tomatoes)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
  • Small handful fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tomatoes: Wash thoroughly, core and peel by blanching in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water to loosen skins. Peel off skins carefully and roughly chop into 1-inch chunks (about 4 cups).
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat butter or olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Add chopped onion and diced green bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Add tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in chopped tomatoes, celery seed, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently to combine. Pour in water or vegetable broth.
  4. Simmer gently: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking, until tomatoes soften and sauce thickens.
  5. Adjust seasoning and finish: Taste and adjust salt or sugar if needed. Stir in chopped basil or parsley before serving. Serve warm.

Notes

Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for best flavor and texture. Blanching tomatoes to peel them improves texture. Stir gently to keep tomato chunks intact. Celery seed adds a traditional flavor but can be omitted or substituted with fennel seeds. For thicker sauce, simmer longer but watch to avoid burning. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: stewed tomatoes, old-fashioned, comfort food, easy recipe, homemade, cozy, side dish, tomato recipe

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/classic-cozy-old-fashioned-stewed-tomatoes-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/