How to scald tomatoes—sounds like a simple task, but it’s an essential kitchen skill that can elevate your culinary game. Whether you’re preparing a savory tomato sauce, a fresh salsa, or just want to preserve your garden’s harvest, knowing how to scald tomatoes can make a world of difference.
This technique helps you easily remove the skin, making the tomatoes more palatable and easier to digest in various recipes.
So, if you’ve been shying away from recipes that call for scalded tomatoes, fear no more. We’ve got you covered with these 6 easy steps.
Table of contents
What does it mean to scald tomatoes?
To scald tomatoes means to briefly immerse them in boiling water followed by a quick plunge into cold water. This process is also known as blanching. The main purpose of scalding tomatoes is to loosen the skin, making it easier to peel off.
It’s a simple yet effective technique that is commonly used in various cooking applications like making sauces, soups, or salsas. Scalding doesn’t cook the tomatoes through, but it makes them more manageable for subsequent preparations.
If you’ve ever struggled with getting the skin off a tomato, scalding is your go-to method. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it will change your kitchen routine for the better.
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How to scald tomatoes
Scalding tomatoes is a straightforward process that can make your cooking adventures much easier, especially when it comes to peeling the skin. Whether you’re making fresh salsa or tomato sauce, or simply want to include peeled tomatoes in your recipe, scalding is the way to go. Here’s how you can do it in six easy steps:
- Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need a large pot, a bowl filled with ice water, a slotted spoon, and, of course, the tomatoes you wish to scald.
- Prep the Tomatoes: While not strictly necessary, it can be helpful to cut a small “X” on the bottom of each tomato. This makes peeling even easier later on.
- Boil Water: Fill the large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Make sure there’s enough water to cover the tomatoes completely.
- Ice Bath: While the water is boiling, prepare your ice water bath. Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water and set it next to the stove. This will be used to immediately cool the tomatoes after they’ve been boiled.
- The Scalding Process: Once the water is boiling, carefully drop the tomatoes into the pot. Let them sit in the boiling water for about 30 seconds to a minute, just until you see the skin starting to peel away at the “X” you cut earlier. Don’t leave them in too long, or they’ll start to cook!
- Ice Bath and Peel: Using the slotted spoon, quickly transfer the tomatoes from the boiling water to the ice water bath. Let them sit in the cold water for another 30 seconds to a minute. This will stop any cooking and make the skin incredibly easy to peel.
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FAQs
To scald tomatoes in boiling water, simply bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Cut a small “X” on the bottom of each tomato and carefully drop them into the boiling water. After 30 seconds to a minute, remove the tomatoes and immediately place them in an ice water bath to halt cooking and facilitate easy peeling.
The easiest way to remove skin from tomatoes is by scalding them. Cut a small “X” at the bottom, plunge them into boiling water for 30 seconds to a minute, and then immediately transfer to an ice water bath. This loosens the skin, making it simple to peel off with your hands or a knife.
You can remove tomato skins without blanching by roasting them. Simply place whole tomatoes in an oven preheated to 400°F for about 10-15 minutes. Once they cool, the skin will easily peel off. Another method is using a vegetable peeler designed for soft fruits to gently peel away the skin.
Conclusion
Scalding tomatoes is a simple yet invaluable kitchen skill, perfect for sauces, salsas, and canning. By following these 6 easy steps, you’ll find that skinning tomatoes is a breeze, elevating the flavor and texture of your dishes. So the next time you’re faced with a recipe requiring skinless tomatoes, you’ll know just what to do—scald away!
References
- instructables.com – How to Skin Tomatoes
- allrecipes.com – How to Peel Tomatoes
- foodnetwork.com – How to Peel Tomatoes
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