I remember the first time I tried blanching tomatoes in the microwave. I was amazed at how easy and efficient the process was. Gone were the days of standing by a pot of boiling water, waiting for the tomatoes to blanch. With just a few minutes in the microwave, I had perfectly blanched tomatoes ready to be used in my favorite recipes. In this article, I’m going to share with you my easy and efficient method for blanching tomatoes in the microwave.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin blanching your tomatoes, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Tomatoes
Choose ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. You can use any variety of tomatoes, but keep in mind that larger tomatoes may take longer to blanch.
– Microwave-safe bowl
Make sure the bowl you choose is microwave-safe and large enough to hold all the tomatoes you plan to blanch.
– Sharp knife
A sharp knife will make it easier to remove the cores from the tomatoes.
– Fork or slotted spoon
You’ll need a fork or slotted spoon to remove the tomatoes from the boiling water.
The Blanched Tomato Method
Now that you have all your supplies ready, it’s time to start blanching those tomatoes! Follow these simple steps:
– Step 1: Core the Tomatoes
Start by using a sharp knife to remove the cores from the tomatoes. This step is important because it allows the hot water to penetrate the tomatoes and make them easier to peel.
– Step 2: Score the Bottom of the Tomatoes
Using the same sharp knife, score a small “X” on the bottom of each tomato. This will make peeling the tomatoes easier after they’re blanched.
– Step 3: Place the Tomatoes in a Microwave-Safe Bowl
Arrange the cored and scored tomatoes in a microwave-safe bowl. Make sure the tomatoes are not touching each other to ensure even blanching.
– Step 4: Add Water to the Bowl
Pour enough water into the bowl to cover the tomatoes. You don’t need to fill the bowl with water, just enough to cover the tomatoes will do.
– Step 5: Microwave on High
Place the bowl of tomatoes in the microwave and cook on high for 3-4 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so keep a close eye on the tomatoes and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
– Step 6: Check for Doneness
After the initial cooking time, carefully remove one tomato from the bowl using a fork or slotted spoon. If the skin easily peels away from the flesh, then the tomatoes are done. If not, return the tomatoes to the microwave for another minute or two.
– Step 7: Remove the Tomatoes from the Microwave
Once the tomatoes are blanched to your liking, carefully remove them from the microwave. Be mindful as they will be hot.
– Step 8: Peel the Tomatoes
Using a fork or slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of cold water. Let them sit in the cold water for a few minutes to cool down. Then, use your hands to peel off the skin starting from the scored bottom. The skin should easily slide off, revealing the beautiful blanched flesh.
– Step 9: Use or Store
Your blanched tomatoes are now ready to be used in your favorite recipes. You can throw them into sauces, stews, or pasta dishes. If you have more than you need, store the blanched tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Blanching tomatoes in the microwave has become my go-to method for quickly and efficiently preparing tomatoes for cooking. It saves me time and hassle while still giving me beautifully blanched tomatoes that are ready to be used in any recipe. Give this method a try and see how it transforms your cooking experience!