Slow-Cooked Sticky Balsamic Tomatoes

Carluccio's Balsamic Vinegar Makes These Tomatoes Sing

Here at Carluccio's, we believe in celebrating the simple yet vibrant flavours of Italy. Today, we're bringing you a recipe that truly embodies this philosophy: Slow-Cooked Sticky Balsamic Tomatoes. This dish is an ode to the humble tomato, transformed into something utterly delectable with just a few key ingredients and a little patience.

The star of this recipe, alongside our beautiful cherry tomatoes, is undoubtedly our Carluccio's 3-Coin Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP. This isn't just any balsamic; the 3-coin rating signifies a vinegar of exceptional quality, aged for a minimum of 3 years. Its rich, complex sweetness and delicate acidity are absolutely perfect for this dish. As it slowly reduces with the tomatoes, it deepens their natural sweetness and creates a luscious, sticky glaze that's truly irresistible.

Slow-Cooked Sticky Balsamic Tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 1 kg cherry tomatoes, on the vine or loose

• 3-4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or oregano

• 100ml Carluccio's 3-Coin Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP

• 50ml extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra stickiness)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to a low 140°C (120°C fan/Gas Mark 1).

2. If using tomatoes on the vine, gently snip them into smaller clusters. If loose, simply leave them whole.

3. In a large, oven-proof dish or baking tray, combine the cherry tomatoes, sliced garlic, and rosemary/oregano sprigs.

4. Drizzle generously with the Carluccio's 3-Coin Balsamic Vinegar and the extra virgin olive oil.

5. If you desire an even stickier, sweeter result, sprinkle over the brown sugar now.

6. Season with a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.

7. Toss everything gently to ensure the tomatoes are well coated.

8. Place the dish in the preheated oven and slow-cook for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the tomatoes have burst, softened considerably, and the sauce has reduced to a sticky, glossy consistency. Give them a gentle stir halfway through.

9. Remove from the oven and discard the rosemary/oregano sprigs (if using whole sprigs).

Your kitchen will be filled with the most incredible aroma – a true taste of Italy!

Serving Suggestions:

These sticky balsamic tomatoes are incredibly versatile and can elevate a multitude of dishes:

• As a Bruschetta Topping: Spoon generously over toasted ciabatta rubbed with garlic for a simple yet elegant antipasto.

• With Pasta: Toss through freshly cooked bucatini, or orecchiette with a little of the pasta cooking water and a sprinkle of fresh basil and Parmesan.

• Alongside Grilled Meats or Fish: A vibrant accompaniment to grilled chicken, pan-fried fish, or a juicy steak. The sweetness cuts beautifully through richer flavours.

• On Toast with Mozzarella: Layer on crusty bread with fresh mozzarella, then lightly grill until the cheese is bubbling.

• In Salads: Add a spoonful to a rocket and Parmesan salad for an extra burst of flavour.

• As an Omelette or Scrambled Egg Filling: Stir into your morning eggs for a delicious and flavourful start to the day.

We encourage you to experiment and find your favourite way to enjoy these delightful Slow-Cooked Sticky Balsamic Tomatoes. They truly showcase how a few quality ingredients, especially our exceptional 3-Coin Balsamic Vinegar, can create something truly special.

Buon appetito!