Creative ways to use overripe tomatoes in your kitchen

Tomatoes are a staple in almost every Kenyan kitchen. But sometimes, we end up with overripe tomatoes, especially if we buy them in bulk. The tomatoes end up becoming too soft to slice yet not bad enough to throw away.

Before you consider tossing them away, know they can still be useful in your house and can be transformed into delicious meals and useful kitchen staples.

Here is how to make the most of them.

1. Make a rich tomato sauce

Overripe tomatoes are perfect for a thick, flavorful tomato sauce that can be used in stews, pasta, or even homemade pizza.

Recipe: quick tomato sauce

· 5 tomatoes, chopped

· 1 onion, diced

· 3 cloves garlic, minced

· 1 tbsp. cooking oil

· salt, black pepper, and mixed spices to taste

Instructions:

Step1:

Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until soft.

Step 2:

Add garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant. Then add in the chopped tomatoes and let them cook down for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Other Topics To Read

• Food
• Tomatoes
• Creative ways to use overripe tomatoes in your kitchen
• Headlines

Step 3:

Add salt and spices, then mash the tomatoes with a wooden spoon until smooth.

Step 4:

Simmer for another 5 minutes, then use immediately or store in the fridge for later.

This is perfect for mchuzi wa nyama, spaghetti sauce, or even a base for pilau!

2. Blend into a refreshing tomato juice

If you want a refreshing drink, a healthy drink, you can blend it to make tomato juice, it is both hydrating and full of antioxidants.

Recipe: spiced tomato juice

· 4 overripe tomatoes

· 1 carrot

· 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)

· ½ tsp ginger powder

· 1 cup cold water

Instructions:

Step 1:

Blend all ingredients until smooth.

Step 2:

Strain if you prefer a thinner texture and serve chilled or over ice.

You can add a dash of lemon juice for extra zing.

3. Make a tasty tomato chutney

Chutney pairs well with chapati, naan, samosas, biriyani, pilau and grilled meat. Overripe tomatoes create a rich, tangy flavour.

Recipe: spicy tomato chutney

· 4 overripe tomatoes, blended

· 1 tbsp. vinegar or lemon juice

· 1 onion, finely chopped

· 2 tbsp. sugar

· 1 tsp chili flakes

· Salt to taste

Instructions:

Step 1:

Sauté onions in a pan until golden brown, then add the blended tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and chili flakes.

Step 2:

Let it simmer on low heat for 15 minutes until thick.

Step 3:

Let cool and store in a jar in the fridge.

4. Cook a thick tomato soup

A warm bowl of tomato soup is comforting, especially on a cold Nairobi night, or if you are looking for a starter.

Recipe: simple tomato soup

· 6 overripe tomatoes, roughly chopped

· 2 cloves garlic, minced

· 1 cup vegetable broth or water

· 1 tsp butter

· salt and black pepper

Instructions:

Step 1:

Melt butter in a pot and sauté garlic. Add the tomatoes and cook until soft.

Step 2:

Pour in the broth and let simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3:

Blend until smooth and season to taste.

Serve with bread or ugali for a simple yet hearty meal.

5. Use in a wet fry dish

Kenyan-style wet fry (nyama, kienyeji chicken, or fish) benefits from the depth of flavour in overripe tomatoes.

Instead of using fresh ones, use the soft, juicy ones to make a thicker, more intense sauce.

Overripe tomatoes do not belong in the bin, they belong in your next meal.

From sauces to soups and even drinks, these soft tomatoes can be repurposed into something delicious.

So next time you see wrinkled tomatoes on your counter, try one of these recipes and turn them into magic!