10 Things to do with Tomatoes
With tomatoes coming in more and more every day around my house, I thought I would share some ideas on what to do with them with you today.
I hope you planted tomatoes this year! I strongly encourage you to grow however much of your own food as you possibly can and in many parts of the country it is not too late to get a late summer garden in. You will be glad you did this fall when you see how high our food prices will be going (yes, in addition to the heights they have already reached).
Are Tomatoes Fruits or Vegetable?
Well it depends on who you ask. If you ask a botanist who knows the criteria regarding what makes a fruit a fruit, then tomatoes are actually fruits, not vegetables.
Bottom line (I guess) is fruits contain seeds, while vegetables typically don’t have seeds and consist mainly of roots, stems and leaves.
For me it really doesn’t matter much… I just want to enjoy these little beauties with a lovely meal. Now go get you some tomatoes and enjoy them in these 10 different ways…
Here are a few of my favorite things to do with tomatoes:
Freezing Tomatoes
Freezing tomatoes is an incredibly simple way to put them up. It’s fast, easy, and requires no special equipment. You will be rewarded with garden fresh taste when you use them in soups and stews this fall. There is nothing like it! Try my family’s chicken stew, my chili, this phenomenal goulash, or even add them to store bought spaghetti sauce to liven up the flavor!
I have been making tomato chips almost daily for several weeks now because we eat them just as fast as I can get them made! This simple method yields a deliciously crisp chip that can be eaten as a snack or tossed in soups and stews to rehydrate and serve like you would traditional stewed tomatoes.
This is a very common lunch for me during tomato season. I slice fresh tomatoes, add a few simple ingredients, and eat until I’m floundered! They are just that good!
Make Tomato Pie!
Tomato pie is a wonderful side dish that can also double as a meal in itself!
Make Tomato and Cucumber Salad!
This is one of my favorite salads to bring to family reunions, summer potlucks, or to eat pretty much year round.
It’s always best with garden fresh tomatoes though.
Make Slow Cooker Tacos
This is an easily customizable meal using whatever veggies your garden is currently giving you. Yesterday I made it and doubled the tomatoes, used fresh squash from a neighbor and paired it with the other simple ingredients and seasonings for a fresh and filling home cooked meal in one!
Corn relish is good on pretty much anything but I especially enjoy it on top of a bowl of pinto beans or served alongside fresh cornbread. This also makes a great Christmas gift to anyone who would enjoy a little taste of summer during the winter months. 
Tomatoes and Okra
This four-ingredient tomatoes and okra recipe with crispy bacon and tender onion will knock your socks off. I mean you did see bacon in the title, right?!
Fried Green tomatoes are as Southern as Sweet tea, and for good reason! If you have any unripened tomatoes or harder than usual red ones, use this recipe to make one Jim Dandy of a side dish!
Greek Chicken Tacos
Fresh chopped tomatoes are always wonderful served atop tacos. This recipe combines them with fresh herbs to make a delicious topping on Greek Chicken Tacos.
Share Them With Neighbors!
A tradition as old as gardens are, sharing bounty with neighbors fosters friendships and lends a helping hand as well. If you have a bountiful garden this year and know someone who doesn’t:
I was driving through Al. Wed and thought of you and how you are a double blessing to so many yet unmet friends. Thank you, dear!
Oh I can hardly wait for fresh garden tomatoes!
Haven’t had a fresh tomato yet …..they are slow coming in I guess…..son-in-law didn’t get to do garden this year, was too busy with church and all the functions, like camp and now VBS starts next week and he writes all the skits the kids do, so he has been busy……hoping to see some road side fruit stands opening up soon or may have to make a trip to AMISH COUNTRY for some tomatoes and other fresh vegs.
I do have a great recipe for an Amish Tomato pie, is has a bottom crust only and looks and reminds me more of a tomato pizza……it is really good, so when I get some good fresh tomatoes ,this is what I am making……
As for our house, slice the tomatoes, cucumbers and onions and pour Old Dutch dressing on it.
Let it marinate for a couple of hours. MMM good!!
I have made your family’s Chicken Stew recipe several times this past year? We love this with hot cornbread. I know it would be even better with home grown tomatoes in it. If you all haven’t tried it you are missing one delicious dish! Follow Christy’s directions exactly! You will not be disapointed.
Tomato Crisps, I’ve gotta make these soon!!! I have 4 baby tomato’s on the vine, Cherokee Purples, YUMMMM Also have 2 other heirloom plants but no baby’s as yet. Bell peppers are just about pickin size now (only have 2 plants this year) Last 2 years have shied me away from a big garden, one year dry as a bone, last year my garden washed away with all the rain we had! But luckily we have a new farmer who opened up a veggie stand about a mile from the house, He’s promised to call when his tomatos come in, have peas and snap beans and the best squash and Zukes I’ve had in years. ( I knew that lemonade did the trick) While he was stringing fence the first of June I took him and his friends 2 gallons of homemade lemonade, now I get phone calls when they do a pickin!
Nothing like those fresh tomatoes!
Love the freezer idea.