Tomato Compote

Photo: Down to Earth Recipes
This classic tomato sauce is so fresh and complex in flavor, it can be served in many ways other than over pasta. Use the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find.
Yield
2 cups
Dressings, Dips and Sauces
Ingredients
  • 5 medium sized tomatoes
  • 1 small shallot, minced
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 sprig thyme
  • 1 sprig oregano
  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Prepare a bowl of ice water.
  2. Cut out the eye of the tomato and make a shallow "x" cut on the bottom.
  3. Drop the tomatoes into the boiling water. After about 15-20 seconds, you should start to see the skin peel away from the body of the tomato. Using a strainer, move the tomatoes from the boiling water to the ice water. After 1-2 minutes, drain.
  4. Peel the tomatoes and discard the skin. Coarsely chop tomatoes.
  5. Heat olive oil in a sauce pan. Add shallots and sweat for 2-3 minutes, until soft. Add tomatoes salt, herbs, and pepper. Simmer for 30-40 minutes. Adjust seasoning. Serve with pasta, over rice, or as a sauce for other vegetables. Enjoy!