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Stove Top Smoker Smoky Tomatoes

The aroma of smoked tomatoes always transports me back to my Nonna Emilia’s kitchen in Tuscany. She didn’t have a fancy smoker, but she’d use a cast iron pan with wood chips on her stovetop. The slow, gentle smoke infusing the tomatoes, transforming their sweetness and acidity into something utterly sublime. I remember standing on a stool, mesmerized by the wisps of smoke, the vibrant red deepening to a rich, almost caramelized hue. We’d use those tomatoes in everything – bruschetta, pasta sauce, even just spread on crusty bread with a drizzle of olive oil. It was simple, honest food that tasted like pure sunshine and love. Recreating that magic is what inspires me every time I make this recipe.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Dietary Type: Vegan

Ingredients

4 cups plum tomatoes
Red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon maple wood chips

Equipment Needed

Stove top smoker
Smoker rack

Instructions

Begin by preparing your plum tomatoes. Cut each tomato in half, ensuring a clean, even cut.
Arrange the tomato halves cut side up on the smoker rack. This will allow the smoke to penetrate the flesh directly, maximizing the smoky flavor.
Lightly sprinkle the exposed cut side of each tomato half with red wine vinegar. The vinegar will add a touch of acidity that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and helps to balance the smoky flavor.
Season generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it will enhance the overall taste of the smoked tomatoes.
Prepare your stove top smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Place 1 tablespoon of maple wood chips at the bottom of the smoker. Maple wood chips impart a sweet and subtle smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with tomatoes. Other wood chips, such as hickory or applewood, can be used as a variation.
Place the smoker rack with the seasoned tomato halves inside the smoker.
Cover the smoker with its lid, ensuring a tight seal to trap the smoke.
Place the smoker on your stovetop over medium-low heat. Monitor the smoker closely. You should see a gentle stream of smoke escaping from the edges of the lid. If there is no smoke after a few minutes, slightly increase the heat. If there is too much smoke, reduce the heat.
Smoke the tomatoes for 12 minutes. During this time, the tomatoes will absorb the smoky flavor and begin to soften slightly. The exact smoking time may vary depending on your smoker and the heat of your stove.
After 12 minutes, remove the smoker from the heat, but do not open the lid. Leave the lid closed for an additional 3 minutes. This allows the residual heat and smoke to further infuse the tomatoes, resulting in a deeper, more pronounced smoky flavor. This is a very important step, as this extra time will allow a deeper smoke penetration into the tomatoes.
Carefully remove the smoked tomatoes from the smoker rack. Be cautious, as the tomatoes will be hot and may release steam.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t overcrowd the smoker rack. Ensure that the tomato halves are spaced evenly apart to allow for proper smoke circulation. Overcrowding will result in unevenly smoked tomatoes.
Use high-quality tomatoes. The flavor of the smoked tomatoes will only be as good as the tomatoes themselves. Choose ripe, juicy plum tomatoes for the best results. Roma tomatoes work well, too.
Experiment with different wood chips. While maple wood chips are a classic choice, you can experiment with other types of wood chips to create different flavor profiles. Hickory wood chips will impart a stronger, more assertive smoky flavor, while applewood chips will add a subtle sweetness.
Add a touch of garlic. Before smoking, sprinkle a small amount of minced garlic over the tomato halves for an extra layer of flavor.
Control the smoke. The amount of smoke produced by your smoker can vary depending on the type of wood chips and the heat of your stove. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a steady stream of smoke without overheating the wood chips. If the wood chips start to burn excessively, reduce the heat immediately.
For a deeper smoke flavor: After the initial 12 minutes of smoking and 3 minutes of resting, you can carefully open the smoker and add a small amount of fresh wood chips. Then, reseal the smoker and smoke for an additional 5-10 minutes, followed by another 3-minute rest. This will intensify the smoky taste, but be mindful not to over-smoke the tomatoes.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

The Smoky Tomatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. For a simple appetizer, sprinkle the smoked tomatoes with grated Parmesan cheese and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Use them as a base for a gourmet pizza by placing them in a saucepan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/4 cup of red wine, and 1/4 cup of chopped basil leaves. Reduce the mixture slightly and spread it over your pizza dough. Create a smoky salsa by chopping the smoked tomatoes and combining them with chopped onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and cucumbers.

Leftover smoked tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, spread the smoked tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen tomatoes to a freezer bag or container. Frozen smoked tomatoes can be stored for up to 2 months.

To reheat, thaw the smoked tomatoes in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	22 kcal	1%
Total Fat	0.2g	0%
Saturated Fat	0g	0%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	4.7g	1%
Dietary Fiber	1.4g	5%
Sugars	3.2g	0%
Protein	1.1g	2%

Variations & Substitutions

Spicy Smoky Tomatoes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomatoes before smoking for a spicy kick.
Herb-Infused Smoky Tomatoes: Sprinkle the tomatoes with fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary before smoking for an herbaceous twist.
Sweet Smoky Tomatoes: Drizzle the tomatoes with a touch of honey or maple syrup before smoking for a sweet and smoky flavor.
Smoky Cherry Tomatoes: Substitute plum tomatoes with cherry tomatoes for a smaller, bite-sized version.
Different Vinegars: Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar, to create different flavor profiles.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of wood chip?
A: Absolutely! Maple wood chips are recommended for their mild sweetness, but you can use hickory for a stronger smoke flavor or applewood for a fruitier note. Experiment to find your favorite!

Q: What if I don’t have a stove top smoker?
A: While a stove top smoker is ideal, you can also use a grill with a smoker box. Follow the same instructions, but adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q: Can I over-smoke the tomatoes?
A: Yes, it’s possible. Over-smoked tomatoes can taste bitter. Start with the recommended time and adjust to your preference. Keeping the temperature low and steady is key.

Q: How do I know when the tomatoes are done?
A: The tomatoes are done when they are slightly softened and have a noticeable smoky aroma. They should still retain some of their shape and not be completely mushy.

Q: Can I use frozen tomatoes?
A: Fresh tomatoes are recommended for the best flavor and texture. However, if you only have frozen tomatoes, thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before smoking. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly softer.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe inspires you to try making your own Stove Top Smoker Smoky Tomatoes. They are a fantastic addition to so many dishes, or simply enjoyed on their own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different wood chips, herbs, and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. And please, let me know what you think! Share your creations and any feedback you have. These smoky little jewels are a great partner to grilled fish, roasted chicken, or even a simple salad. Enjoy the journey!

Stove Top Smoker Smoky Tomatoes Recipe