Tomato Custards Recipe

Tomato Custards Recipe: A Delightful Twist on Savory Custards

Introduction:
Tomato custards are a unique and delightful dish that combines the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes with creamy custard, resulting in a harmonious balance of flavors. This recipe dates back to the early 20th century, where it was commonly found in home kitchens and country cookbooks. The combination of tomatoes, onions, and eggs creates a savory custard that is both comforting and satisfying. Interestingly, this recipe was initially created as a way to utilize an abundance of tomatoes during the summer months when they were ripe and plentiful.

Fun Facts:
1. Tomato custards are a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish, a light lunch, or an appetizer.
2. The addition of onion, bay leaf, and parsley infuses the custards with subtle, savory flavors, enhancing the overall taste.
3. This dish is an excellent way to incorporate tomatoes into your meals, providing a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, along with various minerals.
4. The custards can be enjoyed warm or chilled, allowing for flexibility based on personal preference.
5. Cream sauce with green peas complements the custards beautifully, adding a touch of brightness and freshness to the dish.

Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 4 cups chopped tomatoes
- 8 eggs (4 for simmering, 4 for beating)
- 1 medium-sized onion, sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 sprig of parsley
- Water, as needed
- Cream sauce, for serving
- Green peas, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a covered saucepan, combine the chopped tomatoes, 4 eggs, sliced onion, bay leaf, and sprig of parsley.

2. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for approximately 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

3. Once simmered, strain the mixture to remove any solids. If there isn't enough liquid to measure 2 cups, add water as needed to reach the desired amount.

4. In a separate bowl, beat the remaining 4 eggs until well combined.

5. Slowly pour the beaten eggs into the strained tomato liquid, stirring continuously to prevent curdling.

6. Grease individual baking cups or ramekins with butter or cooking spray.

7. Pour the tomato custard mixture into the prepared cups, ensuring an even distribution.

8. Place the cups in a larger baking dish and add water to the larger dish. The water should reach about halfway up the sides of the cups.

9. Bake the custards in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 15 minutes or until the custards are firm to the touch.

10. Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully transfer the custard cups to a wire rack to cool slightly.

11. While the custards are cooling, prepare the creamy sauce with green peas. You can use a homemade cream sauce recipe or a store-bought version. Simply heat the sauce and add the green peas, gently simmering until the peas are tender.

12. To serve, unmold the tomato custards by running a knife around the edges of the cups and gently sliding the custards out. Place each custard on a serving plate.

13. Drizzle the warm cream sauce over the custards and garnish with a spoonful of green peas.

14. Tomato custards can be enjoyed immediately while warm or refrigerated for a few hours and served chilled for a refreshing twist.

Similar Recipes:
If you enjoyed the unique flavors and textures of tomato custards, you might also enjoy exploring other savory custard dishes. One such example is quiche, a classic French dish that combines a custard filling with various vegetables, meats, or cheeses. Quiches come in endless varieties and are a fantastic way to experiment with new flavor combinations.

Another dish worth exploring is tomato clafoutis. Similar to tomato custards, clafoutis incorporates ripe tomatoes into a savory custard batter, which is then baked until golden and puffed. It's a wonderful dish to showcase the natural sweetness of tomatoes while offering a comforting and satisfying meal.

In conclusion, tomato custards are a delightful twist on traditional custard recipes. With their savory flavors, creamy texture, and the addition of a creamy green pea sauce, they are sure to impress your family and friends. So, gather some fresh tomatoes and get ready to savor this unique and delicious dish!

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