There’s something about winter sunshine that is extra comforting and warming. I’ve been soaking it up these last few days and it feels wonderful. I know I will be sweltering in a few months, so I’m treasuring these moments when heat is rare and welcome.
This white winter rose is from my friend Sally’s garden. Isn’t it luminous?
Last summer I dried copious amounts of tomatoes, storing them in jars and the freezer to use through winter.
Now, as winter ebbs, I want to use them up before the new tomatoes are ready. So I’ve been grinding them in batches, reducing them to a fragrant, savory powder that works as a delicious spice for everything from mashed potatoes to quiche.
You need crispy dried tomatoes for this since any moisture will cause the spice to mold.
When drying the tomatoes, slice them thinly and dry them until they are like a tomato chip, leave to cool, then grind in small batches so you don’t overwhelm your spice grinder. You can also make this in a mortar and pestle, it will just take longer.
I love the paprika color of the powder, and the smell is marvelously rich. This morning I used it in a ham and cheese quiche, and it is scrumptious.
What would you use sun-dried tomato spice in? xo
I would add it to lamb stew and to add another layer of tomato flavour to Spaghetti Sauce, either bolognese or a rustic tomato sauce. 🙂
Ohhhh, now you’ve got me craving stew, @budgetjan:disqus 🙂 That would be amazing!!
Never knew of this spice Krista. It looks divine. I would use it in a Spanish paella or maybe some kind of rich winter stew or pasta sauce x
I think I just invented it, @vannessaluxuria:disqus 🙂 Pretty sure it’s not a “real” spice, but it sure tastes and smells good. 🙂
What? Ground sundried tomatoes? This is gold! Please could you start a store so I can order some? I have never seen that before!!
Oooh, that would be a great idea, @goldiegal:disqus 🙂 I will give that some thought for sure!
What a stunning colour you got from your sun-dried tomato spice mix! I would love to make my own 🙂
Isn’t it beautiful, @tandysinclair:disqus? It was so easy. I know you’ll have a great time making yours. 🙂
That would be an endless parade of things Krista. What a great idea you had. Imagine it in risotto it would be so nice.
Oh yes, risotto would be perfect, @taniamykitchenstoriescomau:disqus 🙂
I have never dried tomatoes and I’m very impressed with the images of your dried tomatoes. I love how you’ve ground them to a powder and can imagine they would be good sprinkled over a number of dishes. Yes, summer will be here soon and then we’ll all be complaining about the heat! xx
I know we will, Charlie. 🙂 I had a glimpse of summer heat the other day and thought, Oh boy, here we go! 🙂 Getting my shade cloth ready so my gardens don’t wither. 🙂