Description
This recipe features tender confit chilli tomatoes roasted to perfection and served on a refreshing homemade tzatziki, accompanied by soft flatbreads. The combination of sweet, spicy tomatoes with cool, garlicky yogurt and cucumber sauce makes for a delightful appetizer or light meal with Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Confit Chilli Tomatoes
- 500g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 garlic cloves, sliced
- Small bunch of thyme
- 1 red chilli, finely sliced
- 1 tsp golden caster sugar
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 100ml olive oil
Tzatziki
- ½ cucumber, halved, deseeded and grated
- 200g Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- Small handful of mint leaves, finely chopped
To Serve
- Flatbreads
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 160°C (140°C fan) or gas mark 3 to prepare for slow roasting the tomatoes.
- Prepare confit tomatoes: In a baking dish just big enough to hold the cherry tomatoes comfortably, combine halved cherry tomatoes, sliced garlic, thyme, finely sliced red chilli, caster sugar, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. The tomatoes can be slightly overlapped or poking out of the oil, which is fine for even roasting.
- Roast the tomatoes: Place the dish in the oven and roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the tomatoes soften but still hold shape, and the tops start to brown gently. Remove from oven and set aside to cool. You can refrigerate them for up to four days. Bring to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavor.
- Make the tzatziki: Place the grated cucumber into a clean tea towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to prevent watery tzatziki. Transfer the drained cucumber to a bowl, then add Greek yogurt, crushed garlic, red wine vinegar, finely chopped mint, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Keep chilled and use within two days for freshness.
- Assemble and serve: Spread the tzatziki evenly on a serving platter. Spoon over the cooled confit tomatoes along with a drizzle of the flavorful roasting oil. Serve with warm flatbreads on the side to scoop up the delicious mixture.
Notes
- The tomatoes keep well chilled for up to four days, making this dish suitable for advance preparation.
- Ensure to squeeze out all excess water from the grated cucumber to avoid a runny tzatziki.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red chilli.
- Serve this dish at room temperature to enhance the flavors and textures.
- Flatbreads can be warmed before serving for a more comforting experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Confit tomatoes, tzatziki, cherry tomatoes, Greek yogurt, Mediterranean appetizer, roasted tomatoes, flatbread, mint, garlic
