Tomato Butter: A Culinary Revelation – Recipes and Uses
Tomato butter, a seemingly simple yet incredibly versatile condiment, is poised to become your new kitchen staple. Forget your regular butter; this vibrant, flavorful spread elevates everything from simple toast to grilled meats. Imagine the concentrated sweetness of ripe tomatoes mingling with the richness of butter, creating a symphony of flavors that tantalizes your taste buds. This article dives deep into the world of tomato butter, exploring various recipes, techniques, and ingenious ways to incorporate this culinary gem into your everyday meals.
What is Tomato Butter?
At its core, tomato butter is exactly what it sounds like: butter infused with the intense flavor of tomatoes. The process typically involves slowly cooking down tomatoes to concentrate their sweetness and then blending them with softened butter. This creates a spreadable, flavorful compound butter that adds a burst of umami and brightness to a variety of dishes. Unlike tomato sauce, which is often cooked with aromatics and herbs, tomato butter focuses on the pure, unadulterated taste of tomatoes, complemented by the creamy richness of butter.
Why Make Your Own Tomato Butter?
While you might find commercially produced tomato butter, making it at home offers several advantages:
* **Control Over Ingredients:** You get to choose the quality of your tomatoes and butter, ensuring a superior final product. Opt for ripe, flavorful tomatoes, preferably heirloom varieties, and high-quality unsalted butter.
* **Customization:** Homemade tomato butter allows you to adjust the flavor profile to your liking. Add herbs, spices, or even a touch of chili for a personalized touch.
* **Cost-Effective:** Making your own tomato butter is often more economical than buying it pre-made, especially if you have access to fresh tomatoes during the growing season.
* **Satisfaction:** There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. Making tomato butter is a rewarding culinary project that will impress your friends and family.
Essential Equipment
Before you embark on your tomato butter-making journey, make sure you have the following equipment:
* **Large Skillet or Pot:** A wide, shallow skillet or a large pot is ideal for cooking down the tomatoes. This allows for maximum surface area and faster evaporation of moisture.
* **Blender or Food Processor:** A high-powered blender or food processor is essential for creating a smooth, creamy texture.
* **Fine-Mesh Sieve (Optional):** If you prefer a super-smooth butter, you can strain the tomato mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds or skin.
* **Rubber Spatula:** A rubber spatula is helpful for scraping down the sides of the skillet or pot and ensuring even cooking.
* **Storage Container:** An airtight container is necessary for storing your finished tomato butter in the refrigerator.
Basic Tomato Butter Recipe
This recipe provides a foundation for creating delicious tomato butter. Feel free to experiment with different variations and additions to personalize it to your taste.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds ripe tomatoes (Roma, San Marzano, or heirloom varieties work well)
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing aromatics)
* Salt, to taste
* Black pepper, to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Tomatoes:** Wash and core the tomatoes. You can peel them if desired, but it’s not necessary. If you choose to peel them, score an “X” on the bottom of each tomato, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath. The skins should slip off easily.
2. **Chop the Tomatoes:** Roughly chop the tomatoes into small pieces.
3. **Cook the Tomatoes:** Place the chopped tomatoes in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and most of the liquid has evaporated. This process can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the juiciness of the tomatoes. Reduce heat if the mixture starts to stick or burn.
4. **Concentrate the Flavor:** Continue cooking the tomatoes, stirring frequently, until they form a thick paste. The mixture should be significantly reduced in volume and intensely flavorful. Be patient; this step is crucial for developing the rich tomato flavor.
5. **Cool Slightly:** Remove the tomato paste from the heat and let it cool slightly before blending.
6. **Blend the Tomato Paste:** Transfer the cooled tomato paste to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth. For an extra-smooth butter, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds or skin.
7. **Incorporate the Butter:** In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add the blended tomato paste to the butter, mixing until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. **Chill and Store:** Transfer the tomato butter to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. The butter will solidify as it chills.
9. **Serve and Enjoy:** Spread the tomato butter on toast, crackers, or vegetables. Use it to top grilled meats, fish, or pasta. Get creative and explore the many ways to use this flavorful condiment.
Variations and Additions
Once you’ve mastered the basic tomato butter recipe, experiment with these variations and additions to create your own signature blend:
* **Garlic Tomato Butter:** Sauté 2-3 cloves of minced garlic in olive oil before adding the tomatoes. The garlic will infuse the butter with a savory aroma.
* **Herb Tomato Butter:** Add 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, thyme, or rosemary, to the butter along with the tomato paste. Fresh herbs add a vibrant aroma and flavor.
* **Chili Tomato Butter:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper to the tomato paste for a touch of heat. Adjust the amount of chili to your desired spice level.
* **Roasted Tomato Butter:** Roast the tomatoes in the oven before cooking them down on the stovetop. Roasting intensifies the sweetness of the tomatoes and adds a smoky flavor.
* **Sun-Dried Tomato Butter:** Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) to the tomato paste for an even more concentrated tomato flavor.
* **Lemon Tomato Butter:** Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the butter along with the tomato paste for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Parmesan Tomato Butter:** Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the butter along with the tomato paste for a savory, cheesy flavor.
* **Smoked Paprika Tomato Butter:** Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the butter along with the tomato paste for a smoky, slightly spicy flavor.
Tips for Success
* **Use Ripe, Flavorful Tomatoes:** The quality of your tomatoes will directly impact the flavor of your tomato butter. Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes, preferably heirloom varieties, for the best results.
* **Cook the Tomatoes Down Thoroughly:** It’s crucial to cook the tomatoes down until they form a thick paste. This concentrates the flavor and prevents the butter from being too watery.
* **Don’t Burn the Tomatoes:** Keep a close eye on the tomatoes while they’re cooking and reduce the heat if they start to stick or burn. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
* **Soften the Butter Completely:** Make sure the butter is completely softened before incorporating the tomato paste. This will ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
* **Season to Taste:** Don’t be afraid to season the tomato butter generously with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Chill Thoroughly:** Chilling the tomato butter for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, allows the flavors to meld and the butter to solidify.
Serving Suggestions and Creative Uses
Tomato butter is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions and creative uses:
* **Spread on Bread or Crackers:** This is the simplest and most classic way to enjoy tomato butter. Spread it on toast, bagels, crackers, or crostini for a flavorful snack or appetizer.
* **Top Grilled Meats or Fish:** Add a dollop of tomato butter to grilled steak, chicken, fish, or shrimp for a burst of flavor and richness.
* **Toss with Pasta:** Toss cooked pasta with tomato butter for a simple and satisfying meal. Add some grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for extra flavor.
* **Spread on Sandwiches:** Use tomato butter as a spread on sandwiches and wraps to add a savory, tomatoey flavor.
* **Top Roasted Vegetables:** Add a dollop of tomato butter to roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots, for a flavorful and healthy side dish.
* **Use as a Pizza Topping:** Spread tomato butter on pizza dough before adding other toppings for a unique and flavorful pizza.
* **Stir into Soups or Stews:** Add a spoonful of tomato butter to soups or stews to add depth of flavor and richness.
* **Make a Tomato Butter Sauce:** Melt tomato butter in a saucepan and whisk in a little cream or broth to create a delicious tomato butter sauce for pasta, vegetables, or meat.
* **Compound Butter for Corn on the Cob:** Slather tomato butter onto freshly grilled or boiled corn on the cob for an unforgettable summer treat.
* **Base for Bruschetta:** Use tomato butter as the base for bruschetta, topping it with fresh basil, mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
* **Flavor Boost for Scrambled Eggs:** Swirl a little tomato butter into your scrambled eggs for added flavor and creaminess.
* **Grilled Cheese Upgrade:** Spread tomato butter on the outside of your bread when making grilled cheese for a tangy and flavorful crust.
* **Marinade Component:** Incorporate tomato butter into marinades for chicken, pork, or fish to infuse the meat with tomato flavor and help keep it moist.
Tomato Butter Recipes to Inspire You
Here are a few specific tomato butter recipes to get you started:
Roasted Garlic Tomato Butter for Steak
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound Roma tomatoes, halved
* 1 head of garlic, top sliced off
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss tomatoes and garlic head with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place cut-side up on a baking sheet.
2. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tomatoes are softened and slightly caramelized and garlic is tender.
3. Let cool slightly. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves from their skins.
4. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted tomatoes, roasted garlic, and softened butter. Blend until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use. Excellent on steak!
Spicy Sun-Dried Tomato Butter for Pasta
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ripe tomatoes, chopped
* 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
* 1 small red chili, finely chopped (or red pepper flakes to taste)
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. In a large skillet, cook the chopped tomatoes over medium heat until softened and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 30-40 minutes.
2. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and chopped chili to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Let cool slightly. Transfer the tomato mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
4. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
5. Gradually add the blended tomato mixture to the butter, mixing until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use. Perfect tossed with pasta and grated Parmesan!
Herbaceous Tomato Butter for Crostini
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ripe tomatoes, chopped
* 1/4 cup mixed fresh herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary), finely chopped
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. In a large skillet, cook the chopped tomatoes over medium heat until softened and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 30-40 minutes.
2. Let cool slightly. Transfer the tomato mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
3. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Gradually add the blended tomato mixture, chopped herbs, and lemon juice to the butter, mixing until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use. Serve on toasted baguette slices (crostini) for a delightful appetizer.
Storage Information
Tomato butter should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 1 week. You can also freeze tomato butter for longer storage. Divide the butter into small portions using an ice cube tray or small containers. Frozen tomato butter will keep for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Tomato butter is a culinary chameleon, adapting to countless dishes and elevating them with its vibrant flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this simple recipe is sure to impress. So, grab some ripe tomatoes, soften some butter, and get ready to experience the magic of tomato butter. It’s a flavor explosion you won’t soon forget!