Smoked “Sun Dried” Tomatoes

Smoked sun-dried tomatoes bring a deep, smoky richness to their naturally sweet and tangy flavor, making them a perfect addition to pasta, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards. By gently smoking and dehydrating ripe tomatoes before drying them, you create a versatile ingredient that adds a unique depth to your favorite dishes.

Why This Recipe Works

• Enhanced flavor: Smoking the tomatoes adds a rich, smoky depth to the natural sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, creating a bold, flavor-packed ingredient.
• Healthier, preservative-free option: Unlike store-bought sun-dried tomatoes with additives like sulfur dioxide, this recipe uses only fresh tomatoes, salt, and olive oil.
• Versatile and long-lasting: Smoked sun-dried tomatoes are perfect for a variety of dishes, from pasta sauces to cheese-based sandwiches, and can be stored in olive oil for extended use.

Supplies Needed 

To make smoked sun-dried tomatoes, you’ll need a few key supplies:

• Wire rack or pizza screen
• Glass jars or airtight containers

Ingredients 

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients needed to make smoked sun-dried tomatoes and the optional components for storing them:

• Tomatoes: Plum or Roma tomatoes are the perfect size for this recipe. You can also use cherry tomatoes for a slightly sweeter, smaller version. The finest tomatoes will give you the best result, so be sure to choose ripe, flavorful ones.
• Sea Salt: Sea salt helps draw out the moisture from the tomatoes during the smoking and drying process, concentrating their flavor while adding a touch of seasoning.
• Olive Oil: A little olive oil helps coat the tomatoes and aids in the drying process and prevents them from sticking on the drying rack.

Storage Ingredients:

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: When storing your smoke-dried tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil is the best option. It helps preserve the tomatoes by keeping them fully submerged, which prevents spoilage. The oil will also absorb some of the smoky tomato flavor, making it perfect for drizzling over pasta or using in salads.
• Fresh or Dried Herbs: Herbs add a touch of extra flavor to the stored tomatoes, complementing the smokiness and enhancing their natural flavor.
• Garlic Confit (optional): For even more depth, you can include my smoked garlic confit in the storage jar. Smoke the garlic mixture in the olive oil while you make the tomatoes at the same time and use them together for storage.

Preparation and Smoking Tips

Prepping the Tomatoes: Wash and dry the tomatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. After slicing them in half, decide whether to remove the seeds. Leaving the seeds in gives you more tomato flesh but may extend the drying process. If you’re looking for faster results or want a firmer texture, scoop out the seeds using a small spoon.

Using the Right Rack: A wire rack or pizza screen works best for smoking tomatoes because it allows airflow on all sides, ensuring even smoking and drying. If you place the tomatoes directly on the smoker grates, they may stick or fall through.

Monitoring the Drying Process: You’re aiming for tomatoes that are leathery but still pliable. If they’re too dry, they’ll become brittle and lose their rich, spreadable burst of flavor. If they’re not dried enough, they may spoil quickly. If some tomatoes are ready before others, remove them from the smoker and let the remaining ones continue smoking.

Avoid Sticking: After smoking, let the tomatoes cool for about 10 minutes, which will help prevent them from sticking to the rack. This short cooling period also allows the flavors to settle. Be sure to remove them promptly to avoid sticking or tearing.

Storing Methods

Once you’ve smoked your sun-dried tomatoes, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh and flavorful for future use. Here are two simple ways to store your homemade smoked sun-dried tomatoes:

Storing in Olive Oil:

Storing your tomatoes in olive oil not only preserves them but also adds an extra layer of flavor. Here’s how to do it:

• Pack the Tomatoes: Place the cooled, smoked tomatoes in a clean glass jar. You can add extras like garlic confit, fresh rosemary, or other herbs to infuse the oil with even more flavor.
• Add Olive Oil: Pour extra-virgin olive oil over the tomatoes, making sure they are fully submerged. This prevents exposure to air, which helps avoid spoilage.
• Storage Time: Once sealed, keep the jar in the refrigerator. The tomatoes will last for up to a week, but the oil can extend their life slightly. You can also use the oil, which will be infused with smoky tomato flavor, in pasta dishes, salads, or for cooking.

Storing as Dried Tomatoes:

If you prefer to keep your tomatoes dry and store them for a longer period:

• Cool and Store: After smoking, allow the tomatoes to cool completely. Once they are at room temperature, pack them into airtight containers or Ziploc bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezer Option: For longer storage, you can freeze the dried tomatoes. Simply place them in Ziploc bags, squeeze out any excess air, and freeze. They will last for up to 6 months in the freezer. Just thaw and use them as needed in your favorite recipes.

Both storage methods help preserve the rich, smoky flavor of your tomatoes, making them ready to use whenever you need them!

How To Use Smoked “Sun Dried” Tomatoes

• Toss into pasta dishes for a smoky, flavorful boost.
• Top pizzas or flatbreads to add a unique twist to classic recipes or try using it to make my tomato basil pesto recipe too.
• Blend into my smoked pasta sauce for extra depth and richness in your favorite spaghetti or marinara.
• Mix into salads for a burst of smoky flavor, especially with Mediterranean herbs and olive oil.
• Pair with cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese for a delicious, savory appetizer.

More Recipes To Try

Tuscan Salmon Recipe

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad

Creamy Southwestern Pasta Salad

Baked Feta Dip Recipe