
tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a potent antioxidant, and vitamin C, with moderate potassium content and minimal calories. They are also a good source of folate and contain compounds linked to cardiovascular and bone health.
About
Tomatoes are the edible berries of Solanum lycopersicum, a flowering plant native to South America and domesticated in Mesoamerica. The fruit consists of a fleshy, seed-bearing structure with thin skin encasing a juicy interior filled with seeds suspended in a gel-like matrix. Tomatoes vary widely in size, shape, and color—from small cherry varieties to large beefsteak types, in hues of red, pink, yellow, orange, and green. The flavor profile ranges from sweet and mild to acidic and complex, depending on variety, ripeness, and growing conditions. Key cultivars include San Marzano (elongated, low-seed, prized for sauce), Beefsteak (large, meaty, ideal for slicing), Cherry (small, sweet), and Heirloom varieties (complex flavor, variable appearance).
Culinary Uses
Tomatoes are foundational to cuisines worldwide, used fresh in salads, salsas, and gazpachos, or cooked in sauces, soups, and stews. They are central to Italian (pasta sauces, risotto), Spanish (gazpacho, paella), Mexican (salsas, moles), and Mediterranean cuisines. Processed tomatoes—canned whole, crushed, or as paste—are pantry staples in professional and home kitchens. Tomatoes pair well with basil, garlic, olive oil, onions, and vinegar. They can be grilled, roasted, dried, or fermented, and are equally at home in raw preparations and long-cooked reductions.
Used In
Recipes Using tomatoes (796)
Ugandan Chicken Stew
This chicken stew illustrates the differences in seasonings in various parts of East Africa. This one, rather bland, is from Uganda; an other, hot version is from Tanzania.
Ugandan Vegetable Casserole
The variations possible with this colorful vegetable casserole are endless. Either make it with the vegetables listed here or substitute your own favorites.
Ujeni Ndiwo
" This ndiwo is not Malawian, but is made with ingredients readily available in Malawi, and can provide a bit of variety for volunteers tired of eating a repetitious diet of tomatoes and onions.
Ukrainian Borscht
Ukrainian Cuisine is a vegetable soup with beetroots as its characteristic ingredient.
Ukrainian Fish Salad
Ukrainian Fish Salad
Ultimate Mexican Guacamole
Ultimate Mexican Guacamole from the Recidemia collection
Unique Healthy Chili
* Source: www.sparkpeople.com submitted by SparkPeople user LONGWAY2GO. * Number of Servings: 6
Valentino's Peasant-style Spaghetti
From Valentino's in Santa Monica From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Source: my old recipes Serves 4
Veal and Vegetable Stew
Veal and Vegetable Stew from the Recidemia collection
Vegan Delight Panini
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Vegetable Biryani I
Vegetable Biryani I from the Recidemia collection
Vegetable Canape
right|Vegetable Canape
Vegetable Couscous
Vegetable Couscous from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain government resource Serves: 4
Vegetable Curry I
Vegetable curry
Vegetable Gumbo
Updated old family favorite - Alice in Houston via A.Broaddus
Vegetable Hotch-Potch
Vegetable Hotch-Potch from the Recidemia collection
Vegetable Paella I
Vegetable Paella I from the Recidemia collection
Vegetable Patch Pizza
This is a recipe I obtained from an Estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Tinsley Estate in Venus, Texas in 1987.
Vegetables à la Grecque
A great Greek dish that can be served cold or hot. The dish is best when fresh new vegetables are plentiful.
Vegetable Soup with Sour Cream
In Romanian: Supa de zarzavat cu smantana
Vegetable Thukpa
Vegetable Thukpa
Vegetarian Chili
Vegetarian Chili from the Public Health Cookbook, Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, in the public domain Cook Time: Approximately 30 minutes Serves: 6
Vegetarian Crumbles Chili
From: The Duke Diet Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes Servings: 4
Vegetarian Jambalaya
Vegetarian Jambalaya from the Recidemia collection
Vegetarian Lentil Stuffed Tomatos
Vegetarian Lentil Stuffed Tomatos from the Recidemia collection
Vegetarian Pad Thai
Vegetarian Pad Thai from the Recidemia collection
Vegetarian Pepper Bowls
Recipe from United Soybean Board
Vegetarians Chili
Vegetarians chili
Vegetarian-style Zucchini-Tomato Soup
Love Zukes? Try this Zoup. Zowie!
Vegetarian Tomato Hash
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Hager Estate in Canton, Texas in 1982.
Victory Rice Salad
Makes 8 servings
Vodka Sauce by Shakerpenguin
Submitted by shakerpenguin Uploaded by madaslue SO. Inspired by the vodka sauce thread, and the couple recipes posted there (thanks squirrellypoo), I decided to make pasta tonight.
Warm Quinoa and Zucchini-stuffed Tomatoes
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West Coast Shrimp Stir-fry
Makes 6 servings.
White Bean and Bacon Soup
This recipe came from an estate sale. It was obtained when the family collection was purchased from the Burnett Estate in Terrell, Texas in 1981.
Wolof Rice
Steak stew with rice
Woodsy Mushroom Goulash
Woodsy Mushroom Goulash from the Recidemia collection
Wyoming Tortilla Soup
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Barger Estate in Mckinney, Texas in 1997.
Yemeni Eggplant Salad with Currants
Yemeni Eggplant Salad with Currants from the Recidemia collection
Yemiser W'et
Spicy lentil stew
Zelenchukova Supa
Zelenchukova Supa from the Recidemia collection
Zucchini and Squash Meat Sauce
Zucchini and Squash Meat Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Zucchini Casserole
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Mrs. Ronal
Zucchini Pancakes topped with Diced Tomatoes
Makes 4 servings.
Zucchini Salad I
In Romanian: Salata de dovlecei I
Zuppa di Riso e Vegetali
Makes 2 generous servings