Tomatoes, a seemingly ordinary but controversial ingredient, often leave us confused: are they fruits or not? In fact, from a botanical point of view, tomatoes belong to the fruit category, but in our daily diet, we usually use them as vegetables.
Generally speaking, the ripening period of tomatoes is concentrated in summer and autumn. The sunshine and temperature in these two seasons provide unique conditions for the growth of tomatoes. Thus, in summer and autumn, we are able to taste the freshest and most delicious tomatoes. In fact, many of them are grown in greenhouses now, so the seasonality is not so obvious, and tomatoes can be tasted in spring and winter.
Regular consumption of tomatoes has many benefits for our body. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, carotene, lycopene and other nutrients, which have various effects such as antioxidant, cholesterol lowering, and cardiovascular disease prevention. In addition, tomatoes are also rich in dietary fiber, which helps to promote intestinal peristalsis and improve digestive function.
To add to the festive atmosphere during the festive season, we can try to make some special dishes with tomatoes as the protagonists. For example, beef stew with tomatoes is a dish with great flavor and flavor, and the tenderness of the beef complements the sweetness and sourness of the tomatoes, which makes people have an endless aftertaste. In addition, simple and easy-to-make dishes such as scrambled eggs with tomatoes and candied tomatoes are also good choices. These dishes are delicious and nutritious, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season.
Beef stew with tomatoes
Ingredients & Distribution:
Tomatoes, beef/brisket, green onion, ginger, star anise, dried chilies, cinnamon, tomato hot pot base, coriander
Steps:
- Prepare the ingredients, cut the beef into pieces in a pot under cold water, add green onion and ginger, add a spoonful of cooking wine, cook over medium heat until it changes color, skim off the foam, remove and rinse for later use.
- Pour oil into the pot and add rock sugar, slowly fry over low heat until melted, add beef, stir-fry until sugar-colored, add dried chili, cinnamon, star anise, green onion and ginger, and stir-fry evenly.
- Pour in the chopped tomato pieces, add the tomato hot pot base, add an appropriate amount of hot water to the pot (the water has not passed the ingredients), simmer for 40-50 minutes on medium-low heat, and stir appropriately halfway.
- Garnish with coriander.
Scrambled eggs with tomatoes
Ingredients & Distribution:
Tomatoes, eggs, salt, oil
Steps:
- Clean the skin of the tomatoes, make a cross with a knife, then blanch the skin with boiling water, peel it, and cut it into small pieces for later use.
- Crack the eggs into a bowl, beat them with chopsticks, and stir-fry them in a pan with hot oil until ready for use.
- Pour an appropriate amount of oil into the pot again, put in the tomatoes, add an appropriate amount of salt and fry to make a sour taste, pour in the scrambled eggs, add an appropriate amount of sugar, fry until the tomatoes are soft, and the juice and eggs are fully fused to get out of the pot.
Candied tomatoes
Ingredients & Distribution:
Tomatoes, sugar
Steps:
- Wash the skin of the tomatoes, make a cross with a knife, blanch the skin with boiling water, peel it, and cut it into thin slices.
- Put the chopped tomatoes into a bowl, sprinkle with sugar evenly, seal with plastic wrap and refrigerate and marinate.
- When all the sugar on the tomatoes turns into sugar water and blends with the tomatoes, it is ready to eat.
In short, tomatoes, as a delicious and nutritious ingredient, can not only add color to our table, but also escort our health. During the festive season, try some of the signature dishes featuring tomatoes to add to the festive atmosphere.
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