Southern Style Tomatoes
Southern Style Tomatoes offers a rich, sweet-tangy tomato relish with deep flavors, perfect for serving alongside meats, breakfast dishes, or as a condiment for Southern comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Empty cans of Italian Style tomatoes, including juice, into a large heavy pot.
- Boil uncovered over medium heat for an hour or more, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching on the bottom.
- Season with salt, pepper, and oregano to taste.
- When most of the liquid is gone and tomatoes are mostly broken up, add brown sugar, adjusting the amount for taste.
- Crumble a slice of bread (with crusts cut off) into the mixture.
- This should thicken the puree sufficiently; if not, add more bread crumbs.
- Avoid adding bread chunks like in scalloped tomatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, try roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the pot. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar and replace it with a splash of balsamic vinegar for balance. Adjust the herbs according to your taste; fresh oregano can be a lovely substitute for dried. If you're short on time, canned tomatoes work perfectly, but fresh tomatoes can enhance the dish's overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
These Southern Style Tomatoes make a fantastic side dish for fried chicken or grilled meats. Serve them over rice or alongside cornbread for a comforting meal. You can also pair this dish with a fresh salad for a well-rounded dinner. For a creative twist, serve them as a topping for baked potatoes or as a base for a hearty vegetable stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the tomatoes in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the mixture has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Style Tomatoes contains roughly 171 calories, with 2g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1896mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh tomatoes, you'll need about 3-4 pounds. Blanch and peel them before chopping, and adjust the cooking time to allow for the extra moisture. Fresh tomatoes will provide a vibrant taste that enhances the dish.
How can I adjust the sweetness if I prefer less sugar?
To reduce sweetness, start with a smaller amount of brown sugar and gradually add more until you reach your desired flavor. Alternatively, you can use a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the sweetness without increasing sugar.
What can I serve with Southern Style Tomatoes?
They pair wonderfully with Southern-style dishes like fried chicken, and can also be served over rice or with cornbread. For a lighter meal, consider serving them with a fresh salad or as a topping for baked potatoes for a unique twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).