Sweet and Tangy Pickled Cherry Tomatoes

Experience a burst of summer flavors with these Sweet and Tangy Pickled Cherry Tomatoes. This recipe combines juicy, vibrant cherry tomatoes with a delightful brine that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and sour notes. Infused with aromatic herbs like dill, sage, and cilantro, along with a hint of garlic and peppery spice, these pickled tomatoes are perfect for snacking, adding to salads, or serving as a gourmet appetizer. They are incredibly easy to prepare and offer a delicious way to preserve the fresh taste of tomatoes all year round. Whether you’re a pickling novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients:

For the Pickling Jar:

• 1 ½ lbs cherry tomatoes (heirloom cherry tomatoes of different colors if possible)
• 5 sage leaves
• 3 dill twigs
• 3 cilantro twigs
• 1 dill umbrella (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns

For the Brine:

• 2 cups water (at room temperature)
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar (or white vinegar of Modena)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 ½ tablespoons white sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Rinse the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and remove any stems. Using a toothpick, poke a small hole in each tomato to help them absorb the brine more effectively.
2. Prepare the Pickling Jar: In a clean, sterilized jar, place the sage leaves, dill twigs, cilantro twigs, dill umbrella (if using), garlic cloves, and black peppercorns. These ingredients will add aromatic flavors to the pickles.
3. Fill the Jar: Carefully pack the cherry tomatoes into the jar, ensuring that they are tightly packed but not crushed. Leave some space at the top for the brine.
4. Make the Brine: In a mixing bowl, combine the water, white vinegar, white balsamic vinegar (or vinegar of Modena), salt, and sugarAdjust the seasoning to taste if needed, balancing the sweet, salty, and sour flavors.
5. Pour the Brine: Pour the brine over the cherry tomatoes in the jar, making sure the tomatoes are completely submerged.
6. Seal and Refrigerate: Seal the jar with a lid and give it a gentle shake to distribute the herbs and spices evenly. Place the jar in the refrigerator and let the tomatoes pickle for at least 24 hours. For the best flavor, allow them to pickle for 3-5 days.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once pickled, these cherry tomatoes can be enjoyed as a snack, added to salads, or used as a tangy garnish for dishes.

Conclusion:

These Sweet and Tangy Pickled Cherry Tomatoes are a delightful way to enjoy the essence of fresh summer tomatoes throughout the year. The vibrant brine, infused with a blend of herbs and spices, adds a refreshing burst of flavor to the juicy tomatoes, making them a versatile addition to your pantry. Easy to prepare and perfect for preserving the season’s bounty, this recipe is a must-try for any pickling enthusiast. Whether served on their own or as part of a larger dish, these pickled tomatoes are sure to impress!