Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes (Homemade)

What Are Fire Roasted Tomatoes?

Fire-roasted diced tomatoes are traditionally made over an open flame, which imparts a delightful roasted texture before they are diced and seasoned with salt and pepper. In this recipe, I’ve simplified the process by using the oven.

This version features freshly diced tomatoes baked to perfection, enhanced with garlic and Italian herbs, all brought together with a generous splash of olive oil. A brief broiling at the end adds a wonderful smoky flavor to the tomatoes, making this dish truly irresistible.

Mexican fire-roasted tomatoes have a bit of a kick, thanks to the addition of chili powder, while the Italian-style roasted tomatoes are milder and more garlicky, infused with the aromatic essence of rosemary.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This dish is an ideal side that complements a variety of baked and fried meals. Whenever I need a quick dinner option, I prepare it in advance. It has become a beloved side dish that the whole family enjoys.

My mother often prepared roasted tomatoes alongside baked chicken breast, creating an ideal pairing with roasted potatoes. Have you experienced this delightful combination? If you haven't, I encourage you to try it; I am sure you will love it.

Here are some compelling reasons to include this recipe in my collection:

• Extremely quick and simple to prepare.
• Made with just four ingredients.
• Complements nearly every dish.
• Delicious and fragrant.
• Can be made ahead of time.
• Versatile enough to use in salsa, pasta sauce, or chili sauce.
• Useful for thickening sauces or curries.
• Easily customizable with your favorite seasonings and flavors.
• Homemade, ensuring no preservatives are included.

Best Tomatoes For Roasting

I have a deep affection for this recipe, and I've experimented with various types of tomatoes. However, nothing compares to the flavor of fresh, pulpy tomatoes, which remains my favorite.

I've used cherry tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, and Italian plum Roma tomatoes in my attempts. The roasted flavor of pulpy tomatoes is simply outstanding, showcasing a perfect harmony of natural sweetness that multiplies with the addition of garlic and herbs.

Ingredients

Tomatoes: Ensure that the tomatoes you choose are pulpy, as this will enhance both the texture and flavor after roasting.

Salt & Pepper: Add a generous sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and chili powder for seasoning.

Garlic Powder: The robust flavor and aroma of garlic powder can elevate the dish. Alternatively, you can use fresh garlic paste or cloves for a more intense garlicky flavor.

Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil to cook the tomatoes. Avocado oil can also be used to make these tomatoes.

Herbs: Enhance the dish with Italian seasoning or just oregano to boost its flavor. The fragrant aroma of roasted tomatoes makes them an irresistible side dish.

How to Make Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes

Here are 4 different methods to make this recipe:

Oven Baked Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes

Making fire-roasted diced tomatoes is incredibly easy.

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (392°F).

Cut the tomatoes into dice and arrange them on a baking tray. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano, then generously drizzle with olive oil.

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, and finish by broiling the tomatoes for an additional 15 minutes to achieve that ideal roasted finish.

Grilled Roasted Tomatoes Diced

Making roasted tomatoes on a grill is an easy method. You can use an electric griller or a stovetop grill pan to achieve that roasted texture.

Simply spray some oil on the pan and grill the tomatoes on medium heat, turning them to cook evenly on both sides.

This should take about 5 to 10 minutes to reach the ideal roasted texture. Once done, chop them up and season with salt and pepper.

A dash of oregano will add a delightful aroma to the dish.

Open Fire Roasted Tomatoes Diced

This technique involves roasting tomatoes directly over the open flame on your stovetop burner. It's an old-style method that many people enjoy because it's simple, effortless, and quick.

Once the tomatoes develop a charred skin, dice them with a knife and season with salt and pepper. Add a sprinkle of oregano, and you have a delightful side dish ready to serve!

BBQ Roasted Tomatoes

I enjoy grilling tomatoes over charcoal for that irresistible smoky flavor that enhances their taste.

 You can either thread the tomatoes onto skewers or lay them directly on the BBQ grill, roasting them until they develop a beautifully charred exterior on both sides.

Once they're done, Cut them into dice and season them with your preferred spices. A drizzle of olive oil will elevate this dish to a delicious finish.

Pro Tips

• Be careful not to overbake the tomatoes, as this can result in a burnt flavor that detracts from the dish.
• If you prefer a tangy taste, feel free to add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice according to your preference.
• Whether you choose to dice the tomatoes before or after roasting is entirely up to you; both methods will yield delicious results.
• Adjust the seasoning to suit your palate, and if you're looking to introduce some heat, consider incorporating cayenne pepper.
• It's important to keep the tomato skins on for this recipe, as they contribute to the overall texture and flavor.
• Additionally, you can enhance the dish by mixing in some tomato pulp with the diced tomatoes, allowing for a delightful liquid element during baking.

How to Serve Fire Roasted Tomatoes

These versatile tomatoes can be used in a variety of ways to make different dishes and to enhance the meal flavor.

Here are some suggestions for elevating your culinary experience:

Burger & Sandwiches: If you have crispy chicken patties, make a delicious burger or sandwich by adding these roasted smoky tomatoes along with mozzarella cheese. After toasting, a quick stint in the microwave will amplify the flavors, making your burger or sandwich truly delightful. And don’t forget to serve French fries on the side.

With Oven Baked Chicken Breast: I paired these tomatoes with baked breast recipes, and the result was fantastic. Try them with pita or flatbread for a satisfying lunch or dinner option.

Salads and Salsa: These juicy tomatoes can also be used in salads or transformed into salsa. Their smoky, roasted flavor will complement dinner rolls beautifully.

Curry Sauce: I enjoy using roasted tomatoes in curry sauce. Best to thicken the curry makes it so comforting and satisfying to serve with rice.

Pasta Sauce: They make a wonderful addition to your red pasta sauce.

My favorite is to serve with Goulash as it makes a perfect combo.

These flavorful tomatoes are aromatic, and my family and I eagerly anticipate finishing them. Occasionally, I prepare them in larger quantities so we can savor various recipes throughout the week.

Don't Forget to Watch: Potato Gratin | Homemade Potato Chips

How to Store

Store in Refrigerator: At room temperature, store in an airtight glass jar for a week in the refrigerator. Make sure it is sealed properly, and when you want to use it, microwave for 2 minutes to heat it thoroughly.

Freeze the Roasted Tomatoes: If you plan to store them longer, freeze them for up to 15 days. Put the leftover tomatoes in a freezer bag and freeze for 1 hour. Then, shake the bag to prevent them from clumping together. When you're ready to use them again, thaw and microwave them for 2 minutes, and they will show a luscious fresh texture.

They can last at room temperature for 10 hours right after baking but should be refrigerated afterward.

Note: I suggest eating it as soon as possible since it's homemade and contains no preservatives or food additives.

Q & A