Southern Stewed Tomatoes

Savor the comforting flavors of the South with this hearty Southern Stewed Tomatoes recipe, a dish that transforms simple, fresh ingredients into a bowl of soul-warming goodness. This classic recipe highlights juicy, ripe tomatoes simmered to perfection with tender onions, celery, and a hint of sweetness from granulated sugar. A splash of white vinegar and a touch of cayenne pepper add tangy depth and a subtle kick, while toasted breadcrumbs made from stale bread provide irresistible crunch. Slow-cooked in a fragrant broth and finished with fresh parsley, this dish is as versatile as it is satisfying. Whether served as a rich side dish, a topping for cornbread, or even a light main, these stewed tomatoes are a quintessential Southern comfort food that’s easy to make and irresistibly flavorful—perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 large ripe tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 1 stalk celery
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 slices stale bread
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.5 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the tomatoes to the boiling water and blanch for 1-2 minutes, until the skins start to split. Remove the tomatoes and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2

Peel the tomatoes by gently pulling off the skins, which should come off easily after blanching. Dice the peeled tomatoes into medium-sized chunks and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the sugar, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and vinegar. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant.

Step 5

Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet, along with the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

While the tomatoes are simmering, prepare the breadcrumbs. Tear the stale bread into small pieces or pulse it in a food processor to create coarse breadcrumbs.

Step 7

In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and toast them, stirring regularly, until golden brown and crisp. Set aside.

Step 8

Once the tomatoes have stewed and thickened slightly, adjust seasoning to taste. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley to brighten the flavors.

Step 9

Serve the stewed tomatoes warm, topped with the toasted breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1495.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	945.1

Total Fat 54.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 93mg	0%
Sodium 3164.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 109.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.5g	0%
Total Sugars 61.6g
Protein 18.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 255.1mg	0%
Iron 6.4mg	0%
Potassium 2969.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.1%

Protein: 7.2%

Carbs: 43.8%