Tomato for different meals

The long-lasting debate on whether tomato should be called a fruit or vegetable remains unresolved, because of its difference in usage between scientists and cooks.

From salads to different curries, tomatoes play a vital role. Although from the scientific perspective it is a fruit, it has mostly been eaten and prepared like a vegetable. The combination of soft, ripe tomatoes makes every dish tasty.

In case you are looking for some new tomato recipes, The Business Standard is sharing some famous tomato dishes which include appetizers, side dishes, mains, and even breakfast items.

Internet-breaking 'Baked Feta Pasta'

The viral recipe of baked feta and tomato pasta video exploded on social media platforms recently.

The baked feta pasta phenomenon became famous once MacKenzie Smith, the blogger behind Grilled Cheese Social, posted a video on her TikTok account at the end of January, according to the Washington Post.

Ingredients

500 grams cherry tomatoes

4 cloves garlic

1/2 cup oil

Salt to taste

200 grams Greek feta cheese

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

½ teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper

12 ounces medium-length pasta

Fresh basil leaves to decorate

Method

Step 1

Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees.

Step 2

In a medium-sized baking dish, combine the tomatoes, garlic and 1/4 cup oil. Sprinkle with some salt and mix well. Place the cheese in the centre of the tomatoes and garlic, top with the remaining olive oil, and sprinkle the entire dish with red pepper flakes and a little black pepper. Bake for about 40 minutes until the garlic has softened and the tomatoes have burst their skins.

Step 3

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve one cup of the pasta water and drain the pasta.

Step 4

Mash the feta and tomatoes with a fork and mix until evenly combined. Mix the sauce with pasta, adding the reserved pasta water as needed if it looks a little dry. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired. To serve, divide among bowls and top with plenty of basil leaves.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 718; Total Fat: 40g; Saturated Fat: 12g; Cholesterol: 44mg; Sodium: 596mg; Carbohydrates: 66g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 8g; Protein: 19g

Tomato Khatta or Sweet Tomato Relish

Tomato Khatta is a unique and tasty item mostly in India and Bangladesh. Based on different regions, Tomato Khatta can be prepared in many ways. Some people use date molasses, some use sugar, some even use fruits and dry fruits as well.

Ingredients

500 grams medium-sized tomato

Sugar or date molasses 75 grams

Dates 3 to 4 pieces

Grated coconut ½  cup

Ginger ½ teaspoon

Turmeric powder 1 teaspoon

Green chilli 4 pieces or as per taste

Bay leaf 2 pieces

Cumin seed 1 teaspoon

Paanch Phoron mix - 1 teaspoon of cumin, mustard, nigella seeds, fenugreek seeds and aniseed

Oil 2 tablespoon

Coriander leaves 25 grams

Salt as per taste

Method

Step 1

Cut the tomatoes into small pieces. Slit the green chillies and crush the ginger. 

Step 2

Heat oil in a pan. Once hot, add the Paanch Phoron mix and bay leaf. When it starts to splutter, add the green chillies and crushed ginger and fry till golden brown. Add the tomatoes, salt and turmeric powder. 

Mix properly and cover the pan with a lid and cook for two minutes.

Step 3

Add dates, grated coconut and one cup of water to the spice mix. Cook for two minutes.

Step 4

In a separate pan, fry the cumin seeds slightly. When it starts spluttering, remove from flame and grind it into a fine powder.

Step 5

When the tomatoes are cooked, wait for it to soften more. Add the powdered cumin seeds and sugar. Cook for another two to three minutes. Remove from flame and garnish with coriander leaves.

Mini Tomato Muffins 

Mini Tomato Muffins can be an easy solution to a longstanding problem of preparing tasty breakfast.

Ingredients (8 pieces)

4 large eggs

½ cup milk

1 garlic clove sliced

Salt to taste

Ground black pepper

2 to 4 tablespoons shredded boiled chicken

1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

½ cup crumbled cheese

Method

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F and brush a nonstick muffin pan with oil

Step 2

In a large bowl whisk the eggs, milk, garlic, shredded boiled chicken, salt and pepper 

Step 3

Cut the tomatoes into medium-small pieces and add to the mixture.

Step 4

Pour half of the mixture into the muffin pan and add the crumbled cheese into each cup. Pour the remaining mixture on top.

Step 5

Bake for 20 to 22 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.