Turkish Tomatoes

Bursting with rich Mediterranean flavors, Turkish Tomatoes is a vibrant and wholesome dish that celebrates the simplicity of fresh, garden-ripe ingredients. This easy-to-make recipe combines sweet, juicy tomatoes with aromatic sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers, all seasoned with earthy cumin, bold paprika, and a touch of optional red pepper flakes for gentle heat. A finishing sprinkle of fresh parsley and mint adds a refreshing herbal note, making it perfect as a side dish, a topping for fluffy rice, or a dip scooped up with crusty bread. With just 35 minutes from start to finish, this versatile and healthy creation is a true gem of Turkish cuisine, ideal for summer meals or as a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces large ripe tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 pieces garlic cloves
• 1 medium bell pepper (green or red)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Wash the tomatoes thoroughly, then cut a small 'X' at the bottom of each one. Bring a pot of water to a boil, blanch the tomatoes for 30 seconds, and transfer them to an ice water bath. Peel off the skins once cooled and dice the tomatoes into small cubes. Set aside.

Step 2

Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic. Dice the bell pepper into small pieces.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the garlic and diced bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the bell pepper starts to soften.

Step 5

Add the diced tomatoes to the pan. Stir to combine with the onion, garlic, and bell pepper mixture.

Step 6

Sprinkle in the ground cumin, sweet paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 7

Pour in the water to prevent sticking and to create a slightly saucy texture. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Finely chop the fresh parsley and mint (if using). Stir them into the mixture during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking for a burst of fresh flavor.

Step 9

Remove from heat and allow the dish to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish, over rice, or with crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1119.1 grams (1119.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	637

Total Fat 45.10g	58%
Saturated Fat 7.10g	36%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2421mg	105%
Total Carbohydrate 54.20g	20%
Dietary Fiber 15.90g	57%
Total Sugars 30.20g
Protein 10.90g	22%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 168mg	13%
Iron 6mg	33%
Potassium 2413mg	51%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.9%

Protein: 6.5%

Carbs: 32.5%