Quick & Flavorful Ina Garten Slow-Roasted Tomatoes with Fennel Recipe

Slow-roasted tomatoes transform ordinary ingredients into a culinary revelation that captures summer’s essence.

These vibrant, concentrated flavor bombs dance between sweet and savory with remarkable complexity.

Gentle heat coaxes rich, intense notes from ripe produce, creating a sublime texture that melts on your tongue.

Mediterranean techniques unlock deep, concentrated flavors through patient, low-temperature cooking methods.

Fennel’s delicate, anise-like whispers complement the tomatoes’ natural brightness, adding sophisticated nuance to each bite.

Strategic seasoning with aromatic spices elevates this humble dish from ordinary to extraordinary: your taste buds will thank you.

Why Slow-Roasted Tomatoes with Fennel Are Full of Flavor

• Intensify Flavor Depth: Slow-roasting concentrates the tomatoes' natural sweetness, creating an incredibly rich and complex taste profile that transforms ordinary tomatoes into a gourmet experience.
• Unlock Effortless Elegance: This simple method requires minimal preparation but delivers restaurant-quality results, making you feel like a professional chef with very little technical skill needed.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: These roasted tomatoes can elevate countless dishes – from salads and pastas to sandwiches and appetizer platters, adding instant sophistication to your meal with minimal extra effort.

Your Ingredients for Slow-Roasted Tomato Perfection

Main Ingredients:

Tomatoes: Ripe, sweet tomatoes with deep red color and firm texture, preferably roma or plum varieties for best roasting results.

Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil for enhancing flavor and helping tomatoes caramelize beautifully.

• Fennel Pollen, Ground Fennel: Provides delicate, sweet anise-like flavor that complements tomatoes.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning blend for enhancing tomato's natural sweetness.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds gentle heat and subtle spiciness to the roasted tomatoes.

• Fleur de Sel, Sea Salt: Delicate, crunchy salt for final garnish that adds texture and pure salt flavor.

Roasting Steps for Tomatoes and Fennel by Ina

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Gently heat your oven to a slow and steady 275°F (135°C), creating the perfect environment for transforming ordinary tomatoes into a flavor-packed delicacy.

Step 2: Slice And Prepare Tomatoes

Carefully slice each tomato along its stem, creating two beautiful halves. Arrange these ruby-red beauties on a spacious sheet pan, ensuring they have room to breathe and roast evenly.

Step 3: Dress With Flavor Enhancers

• Fennel pollen (or ground fennel)
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• Fresh ground black pepper

Step 4: Massage And Position Tomatoes

Use your hands to lovingly coat each tomato half with the seasonings. Gently flip them cut-side down, creating a beautiful landscape on the sheet pan.

Step 5: Slow Roast To Perfection

Allow the tomatoes to transform in the warm oven for 2½ to 3 hours. Watch for delicate browning edges that signal intense flavor development.

Step 6: Serve And Savor

Transfer the roasted tomatoes to a stunning platter, presenting them cut-side up. Finish with a delicate sprinkle of fleur de sel or sea salt. Enjoy warm or at room temperature as a sensational side or appetizer.

Tips for That Sweet, Savory Roast Finish

• Drizzle with Confidence: Use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil to elevate the tomatoes' natural sweetness and add a rich, luxurious flavor.
• Space Like a Pro: Spread tomatoes in a single layer to ensure each piece roasts evenly and develops those gorgeous caramelized edges.
• Customize Your Spice Level: Experiment with fennel pollen and red pepper flakes to match your personal taste preferences, tasting as you go.
• Monitor Roasting Carefully: Check tomatoes during the final 30 minutes to prevent burning, aiming for beautifully browned edges without charring.
• Cool for Perfect Texture: Rest roasted tomatoes on the pan briefly to help them maintain their shape and absorb residual cooking juices.

Keep Roasted Tomatoes Fresh and Juicy

• Preserve in Olive Oil: Transfer cooled slow-roasted tomatoes and fennel into sterilized glass jars, completely submerge them in high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This method dramatically extends shelf life to 2 weeks and intensifies flavor complexity. Ensure tomatoes remain fully covered with oil to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze Individual Portions: Arrange roasted tomatoes and fennel on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. Label with date and contents. Portion-controlled freezing allows quick defrosting and minimizes waste. Maintains peak quality for 3 months when properly sealed.
• Quick Refrigeration Storage: Pack cooled tomatoes and fennel in airtight glass containers, pressing gently to remove excess air. Refrigerate immediately after cooling to room temperature.

Ina Garten’s Tomato Roast Variations to Try

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace fennel pollen with za'atar spice blend, adding a tangy herbal complexity to the roasted tomatoes. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a bright, aromatic finish.
• Smoky Southern Style: Incorporate smoked paprika and a touch of brown sugar to create a sweet and smoky flavor profile. Sprinkle crumbled bacon bits on top for an extra layer of richness.
• Herb Garden Fusion: Mix fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and oregano into the olive oil before drizzling. Swap red pepper flakes for a pinch of dried lavender to introduce a subtle floral undertone to the roasted tomatoes.
• Spicy Moroccan Approach: Add ground cumin, coriander, and a dash of harissa paste to the seasoning. Top with toasted pine nuts and crumbled goat cheese for a North African-inspired variation that brings warmth and depth to the dish.

End Notes on Fennel-Kissed Tomatoes

Slow-roasted tomatoes embody culinary elegance with Ina Garten’s masterful technique.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each caramelized tomato half, revealing complex sensory experiences.

Fennel pollen adds sophisticated nuance, transforming humble ingredients into gourmet delights.

Kitchen enthusiasts can recreate this simple yet profound recipe with minimal effort and maximum impact.

Rustic charm meets refined palate in this extraordinary dish that celebrates seasonal produce.

When herbal notes and concentrated tomato essence merge, magical culinary moments emerge – inviting readers to explore, savor, share this recipe, comment with passion, and connect through delicious memories.

Ina Garten Slow-Roasted Tomatoes with Fennel Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s slow-roasted tomatoes with fennel bring Mediterranean magic to your kitchen with simple, elegant ingredients. Fragrant herbs and caramelized vegetables create a luxurious side dish that elevates any meal with rich, concentrated flavors you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 2 pounds (900 grams) plum tomatoes

Spices and Seasonings:

• ¾ teaspoon (1.5 grams) fennel pollen or ground fennel
• ¼ teaspoon (0.5 grams) crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Oils and Finishing Salts:

• Good olive oil
• Fleur de sel or sea salt

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Instructions

1. Position the oven rack in the center and heat to 275°F (135°C), ensuring an even cooking environment for the tomatoes.
2. Carefully slice each ripe tomato horizontally through the stem, creating two equal halves that will caramelize beautifully during roasting.
3. Select a rimmed baking sheet and generously coat the surface with of extra virgin olive oil, creating a protective and flavor-enhancing base.
4. Evenly distribute fennel pollen (or ground fennel seeds) across the tomato surfaces, followed by a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat and complexity.
5. Season the tomato halves with of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon (1 gram) of freshly ground black pepper, using your hands to ensure uniform coverage.
6. Arrange the tomato halves cut-side down in a single layer, allowing each piece to make direct contact with the olive oil-coated baking sheet.
7. Roast the tomatoes for 2½ to 3 hours, monitoring their transformation as the edges slowly caramelize and develop a rich, concentrated flavor.
8. Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven and delicately transfer them to a serving platter, presenting the cut sides facing upward.
9. Finish the dish by garnishing with a light dusting of fleur de sel or premium sea salt, enhancing the tomatoes’ natural sweetness and complexity.

Notes

• Drizzle Extra-Virgin Liquid Gold: Choose top-quality olive oil that transforms ordinary tomatoes into a spectacular culinary experience with rich, robust flavor.
• Spread Tomatoes Like a Pro: Create strategic spacing between each tomato slice to guarantee perfectly caramelized edges and avoid steaming instead of roasting.
• Customize Spice Symphony: Play with fennel pollen and red pepper flakes like a flavor conductor, adjusting heat and aromatics to match your personal taste preferences.
• Monitor Roasting Magic: Watch tomatoes closely during final cooking moments, ensuring beautiful golden-brown edges without crossing into charred territory.
• Rest and Relax Technique: Give roasted tomatoes a brief cooling moment on the hot pan, allowing them to set and maintain their beautiful, tender structure.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 tomato)
• Calories: 60
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg