Introduction: Candied Cherry Tomatoes
Candied cherry tomatoes
different textures will explode in your mouth, in a medley of crunchy caramel and soft, juicy, ripe tomato.
a complex combination of tastes that stimulate the tongue in 3 key areas: sweet, sour, and savory.
I found inspiration for this one on Taiwans night markets, there it was served on long skewers, with small tomatoes like on a pearl necklace - between the tomatoes were small pieces of dried plum.
The goal was to turn it into a sweet canape style dish, as starter or combined with a welcome drink.
I chose to skip the plum and tried sesame and saltflakes instead it turned out great! - I can imagine basil leaves would be a delicious combo as well.
If you are sceptic about combining tomato and caramel, I suggest to give it a try - it's done in 20mins, and is easy to make.
Step 1: Supplies
For 12 to 15 tomatoes:
vine ripened cherry tomatoes
180g/ 6,35oz caster sugar
1tsp vinegar ( I used white wine vinegar 6%)
25ml/0,85 oz water
black sesame seeds, sesame seeds, salt flakes
a small pot
toothpicks or short skewers
(sugar thermometer) optional
Step 2: Preparing the Tomatoes
wash the tomatoes and wipe them dry - absolutely dry!
insert a skewer or toothpick into the tomato - be careful not to go all the way through!
NOTE: I really liked the small tomato-stalks and chose to leave them on.
Step 3: Prepare Workspace
place a sheet of parchment paper on your work surface
sprinkle sesame seeds and salt flakes onto the parchment paper.
I tried also a mix of sugar and salt flakes.
Step 4: Cooking Caramel
combine sugar, vinegar and water in a small pot in a heavy-based saucepan and stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves.
Increase the heat to medium and cook, without stirring, for 6-8 minutes until the sugar is a golden caramel. Remove from the heat instantly
If you use a thermometer: heat it to almost 150C/ 302F
CAUTION! molten sugar is hot and sticky, don't even think of licking that spoon!
Step 5: Dipping and Sprinkle
Working quickly: hold a tomato by the skewer and carefully dip in the
caramel to coat, then place on the sesame seeds / salt flakes and set aside for 5 minutes to harden.
Repeat until all tomatoes are candified!
Don't dip the stalks!
AGAIN: TRY NOT TO BURN YOUR FINGERS!
Step 6: Enjoy!
WOW your guests with this unusual food experience!
- or wow yourself with this treat!
Let me know how you liked it!
~I hope you enjoyed your stay ( and tomato)~
sincerely, Mimikry