Tomatoes/45 recipes

This 15 minute tomato soup was the first tomato soup we made, and it came out deliciously refreshing. Homegrown tomatoes and homemade vegetable stock certainly made the soup taste more flavorful.

Note: 15 bean mixtures are available packaged in supermarkets and health food stores. If you prefer, make your own by combining equal amounts of dried blackeyed peas, red kidney beans, white kidney beans (cannellini), green lentils, split peas, black beans, yellow split peas, navy beans, cranberry (Roman, shell, or shell out) beans, great Northern beans, pinto beans, small white limas, red lentils, cow peas (field peas), and pink beans. Avoid using beans such as garbanzos and large lima beans, as these take longer to cook than other varities.

Fresh tomato soup made with whole Roma tomatoes, celery, onion, and chicken broth, simmered and strained for a clean, bright bowl. Topped with cool yogurt. Gluten-free, low-fat, ready in 45 minutes.

Velvety creamy tomato onion soup made with pureed fresh tomatoes, sauteed onions, basil, and silken tofu for a dairy-free, high-fiber bowl. A comforting homemade tomato soup that simmers in under 45 minutes with a silky, rich finish.

Italian meatballs and spaghetti sauce simmer parmesan-laced beef meatballs in a wine-spiked tomato sauce with onion, garlic, green pepper, basil, and oregano. Weeknight ready in 45 minutes.

Cobble corn chili tacos stuff crispy taco shells with a chunky chili-style ground beef filling loaded with corn, stewed tomatoes, and celery. A 45-minute weeknight Tex-Mex pantry dinner.

Fiery penne all'arrabbiata with pancetta, crushed Roma tomatoes, capers, green olives, anchovies, and hot chili peppers simmered in red wine. A bold, spicy Italian pasta ready in 45 minutes.

Black bean and chicken chili simmers tender chicken breast, black beans and sweet red peppers in a spiced tomato base splashed with beer for depth. A lighter, quicker chili ready in about 45 minutes.

Chunky vegetarian chili packed with kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, and rice cooked right in the pot. Mexican-style tomatoes plus chili powder and cumin make a hearty one-pot meal in 45 minutes.

Tomato Cucumber Sandwich has always been a favorite of mine. I remember I used to ask my mom to make them, when we used to go for picnics. She would lovingly make them and nicely wrap them in aluminim foil. They would not get mushy or moist, even after 3-4 hours. These sandwiches can also be made for children’s school tiffin as well as wrapped and taken while travelling. However, its better to consume them within 4-5 hours.

Rigatoni with ground lamb, pine nuts, feta, and fresh mint in a light tomato-broth sauce. A Mediterranean pasta dish with bold Greek-inspired flavors ready in 45 minutes.

Bay scallops with pasta shells in a fresh tomato cream sauce made with white wine, shallots, basil, and reduced heavy cream. An elegant 45-minute seafood pasta dinner.

Bold tomato-anchovy sauce clings to al dente spaghetti in this rustic Italian seafood pasta with tuna. Ready in 45 minutes for easy weeknight dinners that taste like coastal Italy.

Penne with eggplant, mushrooms, and red wine tomato sauce finished with melted mozzarella. A hearty Italian pasta ready in 45 minutes.

Vegetable burger soup with ground beef, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and frozen mixed vegetables. A quick, hearty weeknight soup using pantry staples in under 45 minutes.

Fresh tuna steaks cubed and braised in a chunky tomato-and-pea sauce with onion, garlic, and parsley. Italian-style one-pan seafood ready in 45 minutes.