Turkish Tomatoes
Bursting with rich Mediterranean flavors, Turkish Tomatoes is a vibrant and wholesome dish that celebrates the simplicity of fresh, garden-ripe ingredients. This easy-to-make recipe combines sweet, juicy tomatoes with aromatic sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers, all seasoned with earthy cumin, bold paprika, and a touch of optional red pepper flakes for gentle heat. A finishing sprinkle of fresh parsley and mint adds a refreshing herbal note, making it perfect as a side dish, a topping for fluffy rice, or a dip scooped up with crusty bread. With just 35 minutes from start to finish, this versatile and healthy creation is a true gem of Turkish cuisine, ideal for summer meals or as a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces large ripe tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 pieces garlic cloves
- 1 medium bell pepper (green or red)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup water
Instructions
Wash the tomatoes thoroughly, then cut a small 'X' at the bottom of each one. Bring a pot of water to a boil, blanch the tomatoes for 30 seconds, and transfer them to an ice water bath. Peel off the skins once cooled and dice the tomatoes into small cubes. Set aside.
Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic. Dice the bell pepper into small pieces.
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the garlic and diced bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the bell pepper starts to soften.
Add the diced tomatoes to the pan. Stir to combine with the onion, garlic, and bell pepper mixture.
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, sweet paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.
Pour in the water to prevent sticking and to create a slightly saucy texture. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finely chop the fresh parsley and mint (if using). Stir them into the mixture during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking for a burst of fresh flavor.
Remove from heat and allow the dish to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish, over rice, or with crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
636 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.1 g | 58% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.1 g | 36% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2421 mg | 105% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 54.2 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.9 g | 57% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.2 g | ||
| Protein | 10.9 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 168 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 6.0 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 2413 mg | 51% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
