tomato – yummy food share

Tangy Tomato Beef and Mushroom Stew

2026-01-24

Welcome to one of my all-time favorite comfort foods! This hearty and vibrant stew is a delightful journey of flavors, perfectly balancing savory, tangy, and rich notes in a way that will have you coming back for a second bowl. What I love most about this dish is how quickly it comes together—in just about 45 minutes, you can have a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal on the table. While the cooking technique is a simple braise, the result tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. The unique sour and salty profile is incredibly appetizing, making this a perfect dish for any season. It’s wonderfully straightforward to prepare, so even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can create a truly spectacular meal that’s sure to impress. Before we dive into the cooking, let’s get our ingredients in order. The magic of this dish comes from a special sour soup base, which can often be found in Asian supermarkets. But don’t worry if you can’t find it! I’ve included a simple and delicious alternative you can make with common pantry items. For the Stew: Beef: 300g (about 2/3 lb) of sirloin or flank steak Oyster Mushrooms: 150g (about 5 oz). If you can’t find oyster mushrooms, cremini or shiitake mushrooms are a great substitute. Mung Bean Sprouts: 300g (about 10 oz), fresh and crisp. Tomatoes: 3 medium-sized, ripe and juicy. Scallions: 2-3 stalks, for garnish. Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons, such as canola, vegetable, or another neutral oil. Sugar: 2 teaspoons. Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Sour Soup Base: 1 packet. This is a key ingredient from Guizhou cuisine, known for its unique fermented tang. I discovered it on a trip and fell in love! If you can’t find a packet, you can create a wonderful substitute. DIY Sour…

Hearty Tomato Meatball and Tofu Soup

2025-12-16

If you’re ever in need of a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this is it. This beautifully rustic soup is a one-pot wonder, ready in about 20 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver on busy weeknights. Its genius lies in its simplicity. While the flavor profile is complex—a vibrant, savory tomato broth that’s perfectly balanced with a tangy sweetness—the process is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll be creating tender, juicy, homemade meatballs and simmering them with silky tofu in a rich, ruby-red broth that looks as incredible as it tastes. Don’t let the idea of making meatballs from scratch intimidate you; it’s the easiest and most rewarding part of this recipe. This dish is pure comfort, proving that sophisticated flavors don’t always require hours in the kitchen. Here is everything you’ll need to get started. Don’t worry if you can’t find an exact ingredient; this recipe is very forgiving and I’ve included some easy swaps you can find in any major supermarket. For the Meatballs: Ground Pork: 300g (about 2/3 lb). Ground chicken or turkey are also fantastic alternatives. For a richer flavor, you can use a mix of pork and beef. Minced Ginger: 1 tablespoon. You can use ginger paste from a jar if you’re short on time. Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon. This adds a wonderful nutty aroma. Salt: 1 teaspoon. Chicken Essence (or Bouillon Powder): 1/2 teaspoon. This is a flavor enhancer that adds savory depth (umami). If you prefer to avoid it, you can substitute it with a pinch of mushroom powder or simply rely on the salt and pepper for seasoning. Sweet Potato Starch: 2 tablespoons. This is the secret to tender, juicy meatballs that hold their shape. If you can’t find it in the international aisle, cornstarch is an excellent and readily…

Ocean Garden Sea Cucumber Salad

2025-11-26

Are you looking for a dish that’s both elegant and incredibly simple to prepare? This Sea Cucumber Garden Salad is a perfect fit. It’s a wonderful way to introduce yourself to the delicate texture of sea cucumber in a fresh, vibrant salad that comes together in just about 20 minutes. Despite its interesting main ingredient, the preparation is surprisingly straightforward, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight meal or a light, healthy lunch. The taste is wonderfully clean and refreshing, with a subtle oceanic hint from the sea cucumber beautifully balanced by crisp greens and bright tomato. It’s a dish that feels both sophisticated and accessible, proving that healthy eating can be absolutely delicious and effortless. Let’s gather our ingredients for this delightful salad. You’ll need: Soaked Sea Cucumber: 2 pieces. Sea cucumber is a delicacy known for its unique gelatinous yet firm texture. If you find fresh or dried sea cucumber daunting, many Asian markets offer pre-soaked and ready-to-use varieties, which significantly simplifies preparation. For Western kitchens, if sea cucumber is unavailable or you’re hesitant to try it, you could substitute with cooked calamari rings or even firm, cooked shrimp for a similar textural contrast, though the flavor profile will differ. Lettuce: An appropriate amount, any crisp variety like Romaine, Iceberg, or butter lettuce will work well. Egg: 1 large egg. Tomato: 1 ripe tomato. Cherry or Roma tomatoes are excellent choices. Salad Dressing: To your liking. A light vinaigrette, a creamy ranch, or a sesame-ginger dressing all complement this dish beautifully. Here’s how to bring it all together: Prepare the Sea Cucumber and Tomato: If using dried sea cucumber, ensure it’s been properly rehydrated according to package instructions. For pre-soaked versions, give them a quick rinse. Wash your tomato thoroughly. Wash and Dry the Lettuce: Gently…

Vibrant Rainbow Vegetable Stir Fry

2025-11-12

Looking for a meal that’s on the table in under 15 minutes, bursting with fresh flavors, and as beautiful as it is healthy? Look no further! This vibrant vegetable stir-fry is my go-to recipe for busy weeknights when I want something delightful without the effort. Inspired by the simplicity of home-style cooking, this dish celebrates the natural taste and crisp texture of summer vegetables. While the recipe is incredibly quick—we’re talking 10 minutes from prep to plate—the magic truly lies in the high-heat, quick-toss cooking method. This technique, a cornerstone of stir-frying, can feel like a professional skill, but it’s surprisingly easy to master. It instantly sears the vegetables, locking in their nutrients and creating a perfect, crisp-tender bite that’s worlds away from soggy, overcooked veggies. The flavor profile is light, clean, and savory, allowing the sweetness of the carrots and the tang of the tomatoes to shine through. To create this beautiful skillet of goodness, you’ll need just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, so feel free to use this as a template and swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables. For the Vegetables: Green Bell Pepper: 1 medium, cored and cut into bite-sized pieces. Carrot: 1 medium (or half a large one), peeled and thinly sliced on a diagonal. Tomato: 1 ripe, medium-sized, cut into wedges. Onion: ½ medium yellow or white onion, cut into chunks or thick slices. Garlic: 2-3 cloves, finely minced. For the Pan and Seasoning: High-Smoke-Point Oil: 2 tablespoons (such as avocado, grapeseed, or canola oil). Cooking Wine: 1 tablespoon. Salt: ½ teaspoon, or to taste. A Few Helpful Notes: The “cooking wine” used here is typically Shaoxing wine. If you don’t have it, don’t worry! A fantastic and easily accessible substitute is dry sherry. In a…

Savory Tomato Sausage Pasta Perfection

2025-10-28

Craving a delicious, home-cooked meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? Look no further. This savory tomato and sausage pasta is your new weeknight champion. Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish, this dish is the definition of simple elegance. It uses a straightforward stir-frying technique to build layers of incredible flavor, transforming a few humble ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. The taste is a delightful balance of sweet and tangy from the fresh tomatoes and tomato paste, with a savory, smoky depth from the sausage and a fragrant kick from garlic and onions. Don’t be fooled by its simplicity; this recipe is packed with a unique, robust flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the perfect dish for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a quick and satisfying dinner. Before you start, let’s gather your ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, so don’t worry if you don’t have every single item. Here’s what you’ll need: For the Pasta: Spaghetti: 100g (about 1 serving, feel free to scale up) Olive Oil: A few drops for the pasta water, plus more for frying Salt: 1 teaspoon for the pasta water For the Sauce: Tomatoes: 2 medium-sized, ripe tomatoes. Roma or on-the-vine tomatoes work beautifully. Yellow Onion: ½ of a medium onion Garlic: 4 cloves Garlic Sausage: ½ of a link. This refers to a pre-cooked, flavorful sausage. If you can’t find “garlic sausage,” a smoked sausage like Kielbasa or a savory Italian sausage would be a perfect substitute. Tomato paste or Ketchup: A generous squeeze, to your taste. Tomato paste will give a deeper flavor, while ketchup adds a bit more sweetness. Black Pepper Sauce: A dash, to taste. This is a common Asian condiment. If you don’t have it, don’t worry! Simply…

Rich Tomato and Beef Stew A Comfort Classic

2025-10-26

Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of pure comfort. This hearty stew, a beloved adaptation of the classic Eastern European borscht, is a one-pot wonder that will fill your kitchen with the most incredible aromas. Forget everything you think you know about borscht; this version is all about the beautiful harmony between rich, savory beef and a bright, tangy tomato base, without a beet in sight. It’s a slow-simmered dish, making it a perfect weekend cooking project, but the process itself is surprisingly simple. The result is a deeply flavorful stew with a luscious, slightly sweet and sour broth, tender beef that melts in your mouth, and soft, chunky vegetables. It’s the kind of meal that feels both rustic and satisfying, guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Before you roll up your sleeves, let’s get your ingredients lined up. The beauty of this recipe lies in its use of simple, accessible pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need: For the Stew: Beef: 1 lb (about 500g) of stewing beef, such as chuck, brisket, or shank, cut into 1-inch cubes. Potatoes: 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks. Carrot: 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into chunks. A good tip for even cooking is to use a “rolling cut”—cut a piece on a diagonal, roll the carrot a quarter turn, and cut again. Onion: 1 medium onion, sliced. Cabbage: ¼ of a medium head of green cabbage, roughly chopped or sliced. Tomatoes: 2 ripe medium tomatoes, chopped. Cooking Wine: 1 tbsp (10g). Chinese “Liao Jiu” is traditional. If you can’t find it, dry sherry is an excellent substitute, or you can use a dry white wine. For the Flavor Base and Thickener: Butter: 2 tbsp (20-25g). You can also use a neutral vegetable oil if you prefer. Tomato…

Savory Umami Beef and Tomato Pasta

2025-10-25

Get ready to transform your regular pasta night into something truly special. If you’re craving a rich, meaty pasta dish that’s both comforting and exciting, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe looks like a classic spaghetti bolognese, but it has a secret weapon: a savory, umami-rich twist that makes it absolutely irresistible. Best of all, it’s surprisingly simple to make, coming together in about an hour with minimal fuss. The process is straightforward, mainly involving some chopping and simmering, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. The flavor is deeply savory with a wonderful depth that will have everyone asking for your secret. It’s the perfect easy-to-master recipe that delivers a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to get started. I’ve suggested some common substitutions for ingredients that might not be in every pantry, so you can make this delicious meal without a special trip to a specialty store. Ingredients (Serves 4): For the Pasta: 1 pound (about 450g) spaghetti or your favorite long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. For the Savory Beef Sauce: 1 pound (about 450g) ground beef, preferably 85/15 lean for better flavor. 1 medium yellow onion. 4 ripe medium tomatoes (about 1.5 lbs or 700g). Roma or on-the-vine tomatoes work beautifully. 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or all-purpose soy sauce). Use tamari for a gluten-free option. 1 tablespoon Shaoxing cooking wine. Substitution: Dry sherry is an excellent substitute. For a non-alcoholic version, you can simply use a tablespoon of beef or chicken broth. 3 tablespoons ketchup. This adds a subtle sweetness and tang that balances the savory notes. 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder. This is a common and wonderfully fragrant blend of spices. If you can’t find it, a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon and ground cloves will give…

Hearty Tomato Beef and Mushroom Soup

2025-10-23

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly simple to make, you’ve just found it. This Hearty Tomato Beef and Mushroom Soup is a one-pot wonder that will warm you up from the inside out. Don’t be fooled by its rich, complex-tasting broth; this dish comes together in under an hour with minimal effort, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend lunch. The cooking process is mostly simmering, allowing the tangy tomatoes, savory beef, and delicate mushrooms to meld into a perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying soup. It’s a wonderfully easy recipe to master, yet it tastes like something you’d enjoy at a specialty restaurant. Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to comfort meal! Before you get started, let’s gather our ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using a handful of ingredients to create a symphony of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need: For the main components: Tomatoes: 3 large, ripe tomatoes. The riper they are, the more flavorful and sweet your broth will be. Enoki Mushrooms: One 7 oz (200g) package. These are long, thin, and delicate mushrooms found in most Asian markets and many large supermarkets. If you can’t find them, shimeji (beech) mushrooms or even thinly sliced cremini mushrooms can work, though the texture will be different. Thinly Sliced Beef: About 1 lb (450g). Look for “hot pot” or “shabu-shabu” style beef slices at an Asian grocery store—they are paper-thin and cook instantly. If unavailable, ask your butcher to thinly slice a fatty cut like ribeye or sirloin. You can also do this yourself by partially freezing the beef for about an hour to make it easier to slice thinly. For the broth and seasoning: Cooking Oil: 1 tablespoon of…

Savory Pork Nugget Tomato Soup

2025-10-19

If you’re searching for a meal that delivers a massive punch of flavor in under 30 minutes, you’ve just found your new weeknight favorite. This incredible soup is the perfect fusion of comforting and exciting, bringing together savory, tangy, and slightly spicy notes in one soul-warming bowl. Deceptively simple to prepare, its magic lies in building layers of flavor, starting with an aromatic base and finishing with a vibrant, rich tomato broth. The textures are just as wonderful as the taste, featuring delightfully chewy crispy pork nuggets and silky tofu that soak up all the deliciousness. It’s an easy-to-master recipe that feels like a gourmet treat, proving that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something truly special. Before you get started, let’s gather our ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, so don’t worry if you can’t find an exact item – I’ll provide some easy-to-find alternatives. For the Soup: Crispy Pork Nuggets: About 1 cup. You can often find these pre-made in the frozen section of Asian markets. Alternatively, you can use leftover fried pork cutlets or even thickly sliced sausage, browned until crispy. Fried Tofu: About 1 cup, sliced or in puffs. Fried tofu puffs are ideal as they act like sponges for the broth. If unavailable, use a block of extra-firm tofu. Simply press out the excess water, cut it into slices or cubes, and pan-fry in a little oil until golden brown on all sides. Black Wood Ear Mushrooms: A small handful (about 1/4 cup, dried). These add a wonderful, slightly crunchy texture. You’ll need to rehydrate them in warm water for about 15-20 minutes until they are soft, then slice them. If you can’t find them, thinly sliced shiitake or cremini mushrooms are a great substitute. Tomatoes: 2 medium-sized, ripe…