Here along the coast, something truly wonderful is happening right now – our gardens and farmers’ markets are bursting with juicy, vibrant tomatoes! There’s nothing quite like the taste of a sun-ripened tomato, is there? And the best part? When they’re in season, they’re often at their most affordable. That’s music to our ears because it means we can whip up some seriously delicious and healthy meals without emptying our wallets.
Speaking of delicious and budget-friendly, our friends over at Food Hero have a fantastic little recipe that perfectly showcases the simple joy of fresh tomatoes. It’s super versatile and a fantastic way to use up those gorgeous red gems.
Tomato & Cheesy Goodness (Inspired by Food Hero!)
This isn’t just a snack; it’s a mini-meal packed with flavor and easy on the purse strings. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix – whatever you have on hand!)
- 1 Tablespoon mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon prepared mustard
- 2 English muffins, halved (whole-wheat is a great healthy option!) OR 2 slices of your favorite bread
- 1 ripe tomato, sliced into 4 juicy rounds or diced
Let’s Get Cooking!
- First things first, let’s get those hands squeaky clean! Wash up with soap and water.
- Give your beautiful tomato a good rinse under cool running water.
- In a small bowl, mix together that cheesy goodness, creamy mayo, and zesty mustard. This is your flavor base!
- Spread this delicious mixture evenly onto your English muffin halves or bread slices.
- Now for the cooking magic! You’ve got options:
- Oven or Toaster Oven Power: Pop those cheesy creations under the broiler or into a toaster oven until the cheese is melty and bubbly (about 2-3 minutes – keep a close eye!). Then, top with your fresh tomato slices. If you’re feeling extra, you can even pop it back in for another minute or two to gently warm the tomato.
- Skillet Superstar: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place your sandwiches in the skillet, bread-side down. Cover the skillet and let it cook until the cheese is beautifully melted (around 7-8 minutes). You can add your tomato slices before or after heating – totally your call!
Serving Suggestions & Stretching Your Tomatoes Further:
- As-is Awesomeness: Sometimes simple is best! Enjoy this open-faced sandwich just as it is.
- Add Some Green: Tuck some fresh basil leaves or even a slice of avocado under those tomato slices for an extra layer of flavor and healthy fats.
- Spice it Up: A tiny pinch of garlic powder in your cheese mixture can add a lovely zing.
- Tomato Extravaganza: Got more tomatoes than you know what to do with? Dice them up and use them in:
- Simple Salsa: Combine diced tomatoes with chopped onion, cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a pinch of salt for a refreshing salsa. Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
- Quick Pasta Sauce: Sauté some garlic in olive oil, toss in your diced tomatoes, simmer until slightly broken down, and season with herbs like oregano and basil. Serve over your favorite pasta.
- Tomato Soup Savior: Blend cooked tomatoes with vegetable broth and your favorite seasonings for a comforting and healthy soup.
- Garden Fresh Salad: Simply slice tomatoes and toss them with a drizzle of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and some fresh herbs.
The Bottom Line:
Making healthy and delicious meals doesn’t have to break the bank, especially when nature provides us with such incredible, affordable ingredients like fresh, seasonal tomatoes. So head to your local farmers’ market, grab those beautiful red treasures, and get creative in the kitchen! You’ll be amazed at how many tasty and budget-friendly meals you can create.