Country Tomato Overview
Country tomatoes, also known as “desi tomatoes,” have a strong, slightly tangy flavor with a touch of sweetness, making them ideal for a variety of culinary uses. Compared to hybrid tomatoes, they have a more intense flavor, a round shape, and a softer, juicier texture. Known for their bright red color and full-bodied flavor, they are a staple in Indian cooking and work well in both raw and cooked dishes.
Health Benefits of Country Tomatoes
- Rich in Antioxidants: Contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against heart disease and certain cancers.
- Supports Skin Health: High in vitamins A and C, which promote healthy skin and tissue repair.
- Improves Heart Health: Potassium and vitamin C support cardiovascular health.
- Aids Digestion: Dietary fiber promotes a healthy digestive system.
- Boosts Immunity: Vitamin C helps strengthen immunity.
How to Eat Country Tomatoes
- Raw: Adds freshness and flavor to salads, sandwiches, and salsas.
- Cooked: Used in curries, sauces, and soups to bring depth and tanginess.
- Roasted: Concentrates sweetness and enhances the savory taste.
- Pureed: Blends smoothly for soups, stews, and chutneys.
- Pickled: Used in Indian pickles and chutneys for a burst of flavor.
Nutritional Value of Country Tomatoes (per 100 grams)
- Calories: 18 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3.9 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Protein: 0.9 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Vitamin C: 13 mg
- Vitamin A: 833 IU
- Potassium: 237 mg
Taste Profile
Country tomatoes have a robust, slightly tangy taste with a hint of natural sweetness, making them perfect for Indian cooking. They enhance the taste of curries and sauces, adding richness and depth to a dish.
Step-by-Step Detailed Recipe: Tomato Masala
Ingredients:
- Country tomatoes: 5, chopped
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Green chilies: 2, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, minced
- Oil: 2 tbsp
- Cumin seeds: 1/2 tsp
- Coriander powder: 1 tsp
- Turmeric powder: 1/4 tsp
- Garam masala: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves: for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them crackle.
- Add chopped onions, ginger, and garlic. Sauté until golden brown.
- Add green chilies and chopped tomatoes, and cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil starts to separate.
- Add coriander powder, turmeric, and garam masala. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt, garnish with fresh coriander, and serve hot with rice or roti.
5 Indian Recipes Using Country Tomatoes
1. Tomato Rasam
Ingredients:
- Country tomatoes: 3, chopped
- Tamarind pulp: 1 tbsp
- Toor dal (split pigeon peas): 1/4 cup, cooked
- Water: 3 cups
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Cumin seeds: 1/2 tsp
- Turmeric powder: 1/4 tsp
- Salt: to taste
- Coriander leaves: for garnish
2. Tomato Rice
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice: 2 cups
- Country tomatoes: 4, chopped
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Green chilies: 2, chopped
- Mustard seeds: 1/2 tsp
- Turmeric powder: 1/4 tsp
- Salt: to taste
- Oil: 1 tbsp
- Curry leaves: a few
3. Tomato Chutney
Ingredients:
- Country tomatoes: 3, chopped
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Green chili: 1, chopped
- Salt: to taste
- Oil: 1 tsp
- Coriander leaves: for garnish
4. Tomato Dal
Ingredients:
- Toor dal (split pigeon peas): 1 cup, cooked
- Country tomatoes: 3, chopped
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
- Cumin seeds: 1/2 tsp
- Green chilies: 2, chopped
- Salt: to taste
- Oil: 1 tbsp
- Coriander leaves: for garnish
5. Stuffed Tomato Masala
Ingredients:
- Country tomatoes: 4, hollowed
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Green chili: 1, chopped
- Garam masala: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: to taste
- Oil: 1 tbsp
5 Non-Indian Recipes Using Country Tomatoes
1. Tomato Bruschetta
Ingredients:
- Country tomatoes: 3, diced
- Fresh basil: 1 tbsp, chopped
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Salt: to taste
- Baguette: sliced
2. Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients:
- Country tomatoes: 5, chopped
- Vegetable broth: 2 cups
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Fresh basil: for garnish
- Salt and pepper: to taste
3. Tomato and Mozzarella Salad
Ingredients:
- Country tomatoes: 4, sliced
- Fresh mozzarella: 1 cup, sliced
- Fresh basil: 1 tbsp, chopped
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Balsamic vinegar: 1 tsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
4. Tomato and Olive Pasta
Ingredients:
- Pasta: 200 g, cooked
- Country tomatoes: 3, diced
- Black olives: 1/4 cup, sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Parmesan cheese: for garnish
- Salt and pepper: to taste
5. Tomato Avocado Salsa
Ingredients:
- Country tomatoes: 2, diced
- Avocado: 1, diced
- Onion: 1/4 cup, diced
- Lime juice: 1 tbsp
- Fresh cilantro: for garnish
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Country Tomato is a versatile vegetable that can enhance a variety of dishes, both traditional and modern. Enjoy experimenting with it in your cooking!