The tomato in all probability originated in Peru or Ecuador, long before Columbus discovered America, it had reached Mexico. It is believed to have reached Europe from Mexico in 1555. It was considered as a curiosity and was not used as an edible until the mid 1700s. There exists no record of the tomato in the United States until Thomas Jefferson grew it in 1781. It was not that popular until after the Civil War. The plant, a member of the Solanaceae family, is herbaceous, a fast-growing tender perennial grown today in practically every country in the world.
There exists tremendous number of varieties, and the flavour varies considerably, as does the water content. The oddly shaped, wrinkled one, one can oft stumble across in Mediterranean countries, are incomparable when it comes to taste. The plum –shaped one in Italy, although of British origin, is suitable for canning, or conversion into tomato puree. In Mediterranean countries, tomatoes are halved and spread out in the sun to dry and then preserved in olive oil. The dried tomatoes develop a peculiar flavour beside which fresh tomatoes taste rather weak.
Tomatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C. They are high in sugar and water content. These are high in fibre, potassium and folic acid. 100 gm of ripe, red tomatoes contain 22 calories.
Homemade tomato ketchup
Tomato ketchup is a firm favourite, a sauce we seldom can do without….
Try out this home-made version, extremely tasty and all-natural ….
Ingredients
Ripe, red tomatoes – 8 small, deseeded
Red apple – 2
Onions – 2 medium-sized
White vinegar – 150 ml
Cloves – 6
Peppercorns – 12
Ginger- A small piece
Green chillies- 2
Sugar – 100 gm
Salt – 1 tbsp, or to taste
Method
Clean and wash the vegetables and fruit well, in several rinses. Cube the tomatoes, onions and apples. In a heavy-bottomed vessel, combine the trio. Cook until the mix softens and the tomatoes turn mushy and juicy. Stir occasionally. Now, add the sugar, chillies, spices, vinegar and salt. Check for seasoning. Simmer for half an hour. Stir now and then. Let the mixture cool for five minutes. Process so it turns into a smooth puree. Simmer for another five minutes over a high flame until the sauce turns thick. Cool. Conserve in a sterilised bottle. Makes a single cup.
Creole tomato sauce
Ingredients
Tomatoes – Three and a half
cups, pureed
Onion – 1 large, minced
Garlic – 1 clove, minced
Butter – 3 tbsp
Sprigs of parsley, rosemary, thyme and sweet marjoram – A few
Method
Simmer together the garlic and onion in the fat. Add parsley and herbs when the mix turns tender and golden brown. Cook five minutes longer. Add tomatoes and season to taste. Cook for at least 30 minutes more. Serve with fish, omelette, or entrees or vegetables as well as with meats.
Tomato soup
Ingredients
Tomatoes – 450 gm, chopped
Bombay onions – 110 gm, chopped
Salt, pepper – For seasoning
Flour – 1 dessertspoonful
Sugar – 1 tsp
Water – 500 ml
Milk – 120 ml
Method
In a pan (with lid), melt butter. Add tomatoes and onions. Cook for five minutes. Add water, salt and pepper and cover the pan with the lid. Simmer slowly for an hour. Pass the soup through a metal sieve. Combine the milk and flour. Pour into the soup. Add sugar and cook for five minutes more. Now add the remaining milk. Make the soup hot without bringing to a boil. Serve in a soup bowl with a dollop of cream, or garnish with herbs, goes well with toast and croutons.
