Guatemalan Marinated Tomatoes

Guatemalan Marinated Tomatoes Recipe - A Flavorful Dish with Coriander Seeds, Romaine Lettuce, and Cilantro

Region / culture: Guatemala | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Guatemalan Marinated Tomatoes is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. The combination of ripe red tomatoes, tangy vinegar, and fresh herbs creates a delicious and unique flavor profile that is sure to impress your guests.

History

This recipe has its roots in traditional Guatemalan cuisine, where marinating vegetables in vinegar and spices is a common practice. The acidity of the vinegar helps to preserve the tomatoes and infuse them with flavor, making them a perfect addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Recipe default

0.75 cup of cider vinegar
1.5 tsp of sugar
2 tsp of coarse salt
1.5 tsp of freshly ground black pepper
0.5 cup of ketchup
3 tbsp of water
1.5 tsp of worcestershire sauce
1.5 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
0.5 cup of olive oil
4.5 tbsp of coarsely cracked coriander seeds
12 small ripe red tomatoes, peeled
1 head of romaine lettuce, cut crosswise into 0.5 inch strips
1 cup of fresh cilantro sprigs

How to prepare

In a deep bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, ketchup, water, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, and coriander seeds.
Prick each tomato with a fork in 3 or 4 places.
Submerge the tomatoes in the vinaigrette and marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
To serve, layer half of the lettuce, cilantro, and drained tomatoes in a serving bowl, then repeat the layers.

Variations

Add diced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Use cherry tomatoes instead of large tomatoes for a different presentation.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe red tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.

- Make sure to marinate the tomatoes overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Serve the dish chilled for a refreshing and crisp taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Guatemalan Marinated Tomatoes as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a topping for tacos or salads.

Cooking Techniques

Marinating the tomatoes overnight allows the flavors to fully develop and infuse the tomatoes with a tangy and delicious taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have coriander seeds, you can use ground coriander instead. You can also substitute white vinegar for cider vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the marinated tomatoes a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Guatemalan Marinated Tomatoes in a large glass bowl for a beautiful and colorful presentation. Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs for an extra pop of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Guatemalan Marinated Tomatoes with grilled meats, rice, or beans for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Guatemalan Marinated Tomatoes contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Guatemalan Marinated Tomatoes contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Guatemalan Marinated Tomatoes contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Guatemalan Marinated Tomatoes contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Guatemalan Marinated Tomatoes are a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Guatemalan Marinated Tomatoes are a healthy and flavorful dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Guatemalan Marinated Tomatoes are a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for summer entertaining. With a tangy and flavorful marinade, these tomatoes are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Guatemalan Marinated Tomatoes. It was a warm summer day, many years ago, when I was wandering through a bustling market in Antigua, Guatemala. The vibrant colors of the fresh produce caught my eye, and I found myself drawn to a small stall where a friendly elderly woman was selling an array of beautiful tomatoes.

As I chatted with her, she shared with me the secret to making the most delicious marinated tomatoes. She explained that the key was to use ripe, juicy tomatoes and to let them marinate in a tangy mixture of vinegar, lime juice, garlic, and spices. Intrigued by her description, I decided to purchase some tomatoes and try the recipe for myself.

Back at my cozy kitchen, I carefully followed the woman's instructions, slicing the tomatoes and mixing them with the marinade. The aroma that wafted through the air as the tomatoes soaked up the flavors was simply divine. I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

When I took my first bite of the marinated tomatoes, I was transported back to that bustling market in Antigua. The tangy, zesty flavors danced on my taste buds, and I knew I had stumbled upon a true culinary gem. From that day on, Guatemalan Marinated Tomatoes became a staple in my kitchen.

Over the years, I've made this recipe countless times, each time tweaking the ingredients ever so slightly to suit my own taste. I've shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its deliciousness. It's become a dish that is synonymous with warmth, love, and the joy of discovering new flavors.

One particularly memorable experience with the Guatemalan Marinated Tomatoes recipe was when I traveled to Guatemala once again, this time with my granddaughter in tow. We visited the same market where I first learned the recipe, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia as I bought the fresh tomatoes and prepared to make the dish once more.

As my granddaughter watched me slice the tomatoes and mix the marinade, her eyes wide with curiosity, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. I was passing down a tradition, a piece of my culinary heritage, to the next generation. And as we sat down to enjoy the marinated tomatoes together, I knew that this recipe would continue to be a part of our family for years to come.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. It can be served as a side dish, a topping for grilled meats, or even as a topping for a salad. The bright, fresh flavors of the tomatoes combined with the tangy marinade make it a perfect accompaniment to any meal.

But more than just a delicious dish, the Guatemalan Marinated Tomatoes recipe holds a special place in my heart. It's a reminder of that sunny day in Antigua, of the kind woman who shared her culinary wisdom with me, and of the joy of discovering new flavors and traditions.

As I sit here now, reflecting on all the memories and experiences that this recipe has brought me, I can't help but feel grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow as a cook, grateful for the connections I've made with others through food, and grateful for the simple pleasures that a delicious dish can bring.

And so, as I continue to share this recipe with others and pass it down through the generations, I do so with a heart full of love and gratitude. Because in the end, it's not just about the ingredients or the flavors – it's about the memories, the connections, and the joy that food can bring to our lives. And for that, I am truly thankful.