Ina Garten’s Slow-Roasted Tomatoes with Fennel Recipe Magic

Summer’s bounty bursts with flavor in this slow-roasted tomatoes with fennel recipe by Ina Garten that turns ordinary ingredients into a sublime culinary experience.

Ripe, juicy tomatoes melt into golden, caramelized perfection alongside delicate fennel slices.

Each bite promises an explosion of rich, concentrated Mediterranean-inspired taste.

The herbs and olive oil infuse the vegetables with an irresistible aroma that dances between sweet and savory.

Roasting transforms these simple ingredients into a side dish that feels elegant yet approachable.

A drizzle of high-quality olive oil at the end adds a luxurious finishing touch.

You’ll want to serve this versatile dish alongside grilled fish, tucked into a rustic sandwich, or enjoyed straight from the baking sheet.

How to Present Ina Garten’s Roasted Tomatoes with Fennel

• Serve Alongside Crusty Bread: Spread the roasted tomatoes on warm, rustic slices to create a delightful appetizer or light lunch that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.
• Pair with Soft Cheese: Complement the intense tomato richness by adding creamy goat cheese or fresh mozzarella, creating a beautiful contrast of textures and tastes.
• Toss into Pasta Dishes: Chop the slow-roasted tomatoes and mix into hot pasta, letting their concentrated flavor elevate a simple weeknight meal with gourmet sophistication.
• Blend into Homemade Sauce: Transform these roasted tomatoes into a deep, complex sauce by blending them with fresh herbs and a splash of olive oil for pasta or grilled meats.

Storing and Serving Ina Garten’s Tomato & Fennel Medley

• Store Strategically: Keep roasted tomatoes in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their rich, concentrated flavor.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Pack cooled tomatoes in freezer-safe containers, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months for quick flavor boosters in sauces, pastas, and salads.
• Enhance Meal Prep: Chop and fold these roasted tomatoes into scrambled eggs, mix into grain bowls, or layer on top of crusty bread for instant gourmet touches during busy weekdays.
• Bring to Room Temperature: Before serving, let refrigerated or frozen tomatoes sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to restore their soft texture and release maximum aromatic flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 6

The Ingredient List for Ina Garten’s Slow-Roasted Tomatoes with Fennel

• Tomatoes: Choose ripe, firm Roma or plum tomatoes with deep color and no blemishes for best roasting results.
• Olive Oil: Enhances flavor and helps tomatoes caramelize beautifully during slow roasting.

• Fennel Pollen, Ground Fennel: Adds delicate, sweet anise-like flavor that complements the tomatoes' natural sweetness.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a subtle, warming heat that balances the tomatoes' richness.
• Kosher Salt: Helps draw out moisture and intensify the tomatoes' natural flavors.
• Black Pepper: Introduces a gentle, earthy spiciness to the roasted tomatoes.

• Fleur de Sel, Sea Salt: Adds a delicate, crunchy texture and enhances the final flavor profile of the roasted tomatoes.

Tools You’ll Need for Ina Garten’s Roasted Tomato-Fennel Mix

• Sheet Pan: Large, rimmed baking sheet to hold and roast the tomatoes evenly.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for cleanly cutting tomatoes in half through the stem.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise tools for adding the correct amount of salt, pepper, and spices.
• Mixing Bowl: Optional for tossing tomatoes with olive oil and seasonings.
• Tongs or Spatula: Helpful for arranging and transferring roasted tomatoes to serving platter.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for slicing tomatoes safely.

Roasting Instructions for Ina Garten’s Tomato & Fennel Dish

Slow-Roasted Tomato Delight

• Oven Preparation Warmup

Set your kitchen companion to a gentle 275°F, creating the perfect cozy environment for transforming ordinary tomatoes into flavor-packed gems.

• Tomato Transformation

Slice each tomato vertically through its natural stem line, revealing its beautiful inner landscape on a waiting baking sheet.

• Seasoning Magic

Drizzle olive oil generously across the tomato halves, then sprinkle a whisper of fennel, a dash of red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper to awaken their natural sweetness.

• Roasting Journey

Nestle tomatoes face-down on the sheet, allowing them to slowly caramelize and concentrate their rich, sun-kissed flavors over 2½ to 3 hours.

• Final Flourish

Gently transfer the now-bronzed tomato treasures to a serving platter, crown them with a delicate sprinkle of sea salt, and welcome them as a luxurious side dish perfect for any meal.

Roasting Tips for Tomato-Fennel Goodness by Ina

• Experiment with different herb blends like thyme, rosemary, or herbes de Provence to add unique flavor profiles to your roasted tomatoes.
• Select ripe, in-season tomatoes from local farmers' markets for maximum sweetness and intense roasted flavor.
• Watch tomatoes closely after 2 hours, as smaller or riper tomatoes might need less time to prevent burning or over-drying.
• Chop roasted tomatoes into pasta sauces, blend into spreads, top bruschetta, or serve alongside grilled meats for a gourmet touch.
• Store cooled roasted tomatoes in olive oil in an airtight container for up to one week in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to develop further.

Aromatic Ina Garten Slow-Roasted Tomatoes with Fennel Recipe

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

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Description

Slow-roasted tomatoes with fennel celebrate summer’s bounty with Ina Garten’s elegant Mediterranean-inspired dish. Fragrant herbs and roasted vegetables merge into a sublime side that invites seasonal enjoyment at your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (900 g) plum tomatoes
• ¾ tsp (1.5 g) fennel pollen or ground fennel
• ¼ tsp (0.5 g) crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Olive oil
• Fleur de sel or sea salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to 275°F, creating an ideal roasting environment for transforming fresh tomatoes into concentrated flavor gems.
2. Tomato Transformation: Slice ripe tomatoes horizontally through the stem, creating symmetrical halves that will caramelize elegantly during the slow-roasting process.
3. Flavor Foundation: Generously coat a rimmed baking sheet with extra virgin olive oil, establishing a rich, aromatic base that will enhance the tomatoes’ natural sweetness.
4. Seasoning Symphony: Sprinkle fennel pollen (or ground fennel seeds) across tomato surfaces, followed by crushed red pepper flakes to introduce a subtle, warming complexity.
5. Seasoning Technique: Massage kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper into the tomato halves, ensuring each piece receives uniform, balanced seasoning.
6. Roasting Configuration: Carefully place tomato halves cut-side down in a single layer, allowing direct contact with the olive oil-coated surface to maximize caramelization.
7. Flavor Concentration: Roast for 2½ to 3 hours, watching as the tomatoes slowly transform, developing rich, intense flavors and beautifully caramelized edges.
8. Finishing Touch: Remove from the oven and delicately transfer to a serving platter, presenting the cut sides upward to showcase their deep, roasted complexity.
9. Final Flourish: Garnish with a delicate sprinkle of fleur de sel or premium sea salt, elevating the tomatoes’ inherent sweetness and depth of flavor.

Notes

• Choose Ripe Tomatoes: Select firm, deeply colored tomatoes at peak ripeness for the most intense, sweet roasted flavor.
• Slice with Precision: Cut tomatoes horizontally to ensure even caramelization and consistent roasting throughout.
• Oil Matters: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to create a flavorful base that enhances the tomatoes’ natural sweetness.
• Patience is Key: Low and slow roasting develops complex flavors, transforming ordinary tomatoes into an extraordinary side dish or accompaniment.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg