Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the most versatile and nutritious fruits that you can eat. They are rich in vitamin C, potassium, folate, lycopene and other antioxidants that can benefit your health in many ways. All things considered, whether you eat them raw, cooked or juiced, tomatoes can add flavor, color and freshness to your meals. Here are some ideas on how to enjoy tomatoes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Breakfast: Tomato smoothie
A tomato smoothie is a great way to start your day with a boost of energy and hydration. Tomatoes are high in water content and can help you stay hydrated throughout the day. They also contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can protect your skin from sun damage and aging. To make a tomato smoothie, you will need:
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 1 banana
- 1/4 cup of plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- A pinch of salt
- A few ice cubes
All in all, to prepare the smoothie, simply blend all the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Enjoy your refreshing and delicious tomato smoothie for breakfast!
Lunch: Tomato salad
A tomato salad is a simple and satisfying lunch option that can fill you up with fiber and protein. Tomatoes are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help you feel full and prevent overeating. They also contain vitamin C, which can boost your immune system and help you fight off infections. To make a tomato salad, you will need:
- 4 medium tomatoes
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- 1/4 cup of chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
To prepare the salad, chop the tomatoes and eggs into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Add the parsley and toss well. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again. Enjoy your nutritious and tasty tomato salad for lunch!
Dinner: Tomato sauce
A tomato sauce is a classic and versatile dinner option that can go well with pasta, rice, meat or vegetables. Tomatoes are a good source of potassium, which can help regulate your blood pressure and prevent strokes. They also contain lycopene, which has been linked to lower risks of heart disease and cancer. To make a tomato sauce, you will need:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 8 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 2 teaspoons of dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
To prepare the sauce, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes. Add the tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes. Enjoy your flavorful and healthy tomato sauce for dinner!
Tomato soup
A tomato soup is a classic and cozy dinner option that can warm you up on a cold night. Tomatoes are a good source of potassium, which can help regulate your blood pressure and prevent strokes. They also contain lycopene, which has been linked to lower risks of heart disease and cancer. To make a tomato soup, you will need:
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1/2 large onion, cut into large wedges
- 1 (28-ounce) can of tomatoes (we prefer to use whole peeled or crushed)
- 1 1/2 cups of water (or low sodium vegetable broth or chicken stock)
- 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt (or more to taste)
- A few sprigs of fresh basil (optional)
To prepare the soup, heat the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Then, add the onion and cook until soft, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes. Add the tomatoes, water, salt and basil (if using) and bring to a boil. Afterward, reduce the heat and simmer until the soup is slightly thickened, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes. Finally, carefully transfer the soup to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree it until smooth. Enjoy your creamy and flavorful tomato soup for dinner!
This recipe is adapted from Easy Three-Ingredient Tomato Soup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tomatoes are not only delicious, but also nutritious. They can provide you with many health benefits, such as improving your skin, boosting your immunity, lowering your blood pressure and reducing your risk of chronic diseases. As you can see, in this blog post, we have shared with you some ideas on how to enjoy tomatoes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For instance, you can make a tomato smoothie, a tomato salad, a tomato soup or a tomato sauce with simple ingredients and easy steps. Additionally, we hope you will try these recipes and discover the amazing taste and benefits of tomatoes. In conclusion, thank you for reading and happy eating!
Stay Healthy 🙂